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THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


M  ^ -7- /-'ow-w-afeSSHr 

THE  BOOK  OF 
ARTEMAS 

Concerning  men,  and  the  things 

that  men  did  do,  at  the  time  when 

there  was  war 


NEW  YORK 
GEORGE  H.  DORAN  COMPANY 


M3T 


COFyRIGHT.  1917,  BY 
W.  WESTALL  &  CO. 


COPYRIGHT,  1918,  BY 
GEORGE  H.  DORAN  COMPANY 


PRINTED  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 


UNTO 

EVE 


2021081 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


THF 
BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


CHAPTER  I. 

1  The  Chronicles  of  Arte- 
mas,  the  scribe.  3  The 
state  of  the  land  of  Eur. 
4  Concerning  Willi,  who 
ruled  over  ihe  men  of  Hu. 
7  Concerning  Mud,  that 
was  his  son.  9  Mud  en- 
courageth  the  ambitions 
of  his  father.  19  And 
sendeth  in  unto  him  a 
certain  wise  man.  21  The 
•parable  of  the  oaJc  tree. 
26  And  the  interpretation 
thereof.  29  Willi  maketh 
him  a  war. 

'T'HE  words  of  Arte- 
■■•    mas   of  the  scribes 
that  were  in  Lon  in  the 
land  of  En. 

2  Of  the  things  that 
were  and  of  the  things 
that  were  to  be:  con- 
cerning men  and  the 
things  that  men  did 
do. 

3  ^Now  there  was 
peace  over  all  the  land 


of  Eur  and  amongst  all 
the  nations  that  abode 
there,  it  was  a  time  of 
great  content. 

4  ^But  Willi,  who 
ruled  over  the  men  of 
Hu,  was  a  crafty  man 
and  greedy,  and  his 
ways  were  devious. 

5  And  when  he  be- 
held the  prosperity  of 
the  land  and  the  indus- 
try of  those  that  dwelt 
round  about,  and  that 
they  did  live  in  peace, 
the  one  with  the  other, 
his  heart  grew  black 
within  him  and  his  soul 
vomited  envy. 

6  Moreover,  he  was  a 
proud  man  and  ambi- 
tious withal.  His  covet- 
ousness  was  like  unto  a 
tree,  that  being  planted 
in  fertile  ground,  flour- 
isheth  mightily ;  and  the 
independence     of     the 


10 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


peoples  was  as  gall  unto 
his  vanity. 

7  jjNow  the  son  of 
"Willi  was  a  young  man, 
and  he  was  puffed  out 
with  pride  and  his  mind 
was  empty;  in  his  liv- 
ing, he  was  vicious,  and 
his  name,  it  was  Mud. 

8  And  when  Mud  saw 
that  his  father's  soul 
was  torn  with  the  vio- 
lence of  his  envy  and 
that  he  coveted  that 
which  was  not  his,  it  re- 
joiced him  exceedingly. 

9  ^And  he  laid  him- 
self out  to  entice  his 
father,  and  did  speak 
many  specious  words 
unto  him,  and  was  for 
ever  at  him. 

10  And  Mud  said  un- 
to his  father,  All  High- 
est, hail !  And  Willi  an- 
swered him,  saying, 
Thou  art  my  son:  And 
Mud  said  unto  him, 
Great  art  thou  above  all 
the  kings  of  the  earth, 
for  thou  hast  served  the 
Lord  faithfully  through- 
out the  days  of  thy  life. 

11  And  Willi  an- 
swered     him,      sa/ying, 


[CH.   I. 

Verily  have  I  found  fa- 
vour in  the  sight  of  the 
Lord;  and  in  my  sight 
has  the  Lord  also  found 
favour. 

12  And  Mud  looked 
upon  his  father  from 
the  side ;  he  gazed  upon 
his  countenance  with  a 
furtive  look,  and  did  see 
that  his  father's  vanity 
was  without  bounds.  So 
he  spake  unto  him 
again,  saying, 

13  Thy  shadow  is  as 
the  sun  whose  rays 
bring  forth  warmth,  giv- 
ing life  unto  all  them 
that  are  beneath  it. 

14  And  Willi  said, 
That  which  thou  sayest 
is  indeed  true ;  yet  doth 
the  sun  shine  over  all 
the  world  whilst  my 
shadow  is  for  ever  at 
two  hours  after  summer 
noon. 

15  And  Mud  answered 
him,  saying,  In  the  eve- 
ning of* thy  days  shall 
thy  shadow  grow  long, 
and  it  shall  spread  its 
shade  over  all  the  world ; 
for  it  is  a  good  world 
and   deserveth   well   of 


CH.   I,] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


11 


thee.  And  the  Lord, 
will  surely  reward  thee 
for  all  thy  righteous- 
ness 

16  And  Willi  said, 
Verily,  art  thou  my  son, 
and  in  wisdom  art  thou 
second  only  to  thy  fa- 
ther. I  will  make  me  a 
covenant  with  the  Lord, 
and  it  shall  come  to  pass 
that  I  shall  have  domin- 
ion over  all  the  earth 
and  over  all  the  waters 
that  are  on  the  earth. 
And  whatsoever  shall  be 
left  over,  that  will  I  give 
unto  the  Lord  for  to  te 
His  own. 

17  And  I  will  make 
might  right,  and  them 
that  how  not  down  be- 
fore me,  those  will  I 
surely  slay,  both  they 
and  their  wives  and 
their  children  and  the 
stranger  that  is  within 
their  gates.  And  their 
oxen  will  I  take  as  an 
offering  unto  my  Maj- 
esty. And  their  house- 
hold goods  shall  be  mine 
by  the  strength  of  my 
sword. 

18  And  he  said  unto 


Mud,  that  was  his  son, 
Send  thou  unto  me  a 
wise  man  that  I  ma/y 
take  counsel  of  him. 

19  ^And  a  certain 
man  whose  name  was 
Bern  was  sojourning  in 
the  land,  and  him  did 
Mud  bring  unto  his 
father,  having  first  in- 
structed him  privily. 

20  And  when  he  that 
was  called  Bern  came 
into  the  presence  of  the 
king,  he  bowed  him  low, 
saying,  Hail,  O  king! 

21  ^  And  he  began  to 
speak,  saying.  There 
was  a  certain  husband- 
man and  he  planted  him 
an  oak  in  a  place  where 
trees  grew; 

22  And  it  came  to 
pass  that  the  oak  grew 
up  and  its  roots  spread 
themselves  about.  And 
there  was  not  room 
enough  in  that  place, 
and  the  trees  that  were 
planted  there  iefore 
rose  up  and  choked 
it  so  that  it  did  lan- 
guish away  until  there 
was  no  sap  remaining 
in  it. 


12 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


23  And  when  the  hus- 
bandman saw  how  it 
was,  he  sent  his  servant 
with  an  axe  and  he  told 
him  to  cut  down  the 
trees  that  were  round 
about. 

24  Yea,  every  tree  ex- 
cept the  oak  did  he  com- 
mand him  to  cut  down, 
so  that  there  was  room, 
and  the  oak  did  flourish 
as  the  cedars  that  are 
in  Lebanon,  and  its 
branches  did  sway  them 
over  all  the  world. 

25  And  Willi  said 
unto  him,  Explain  unto 
me  the  meaning  of  this 
parable,  thou  very  wise 
man.  Of  what  is  the 
oak  and  of  what  the 
trees  that  were  round 
about  ? 

26  ^And  Bern  an- 
swered him,  saying,  The 
nurseryman  is  the  Lord 
of  Hosts.    The  oak  that 


[CH.  I. 

He  planted,  it  is  thy- 
self, 0  king;  and  the 
trees  that  would  choke 
it,  they  are  the  na- 
tions that  dwell  round 
ahaiit. 

27  The  axe  is  thine 
army,  and  the  servant 
of  the  husbandman  is 
he  whom  thou  shalt 
make  to  be  the  captain 
over  all  thine  host. 

28  And  when  Willi 
heard  the  things  that 
the  wise  man  did  say, 
he  was  well  pleased; 
wherefore  he  gave  unto 
him  a  cross,  and  it  was 
made  of  iron. 

29  ^And  after  he 
had  made  him  secret 
preparations,  he  went 
out  with  a  great  multi- 
tude of  men  and  much 
munition,  and  he  made 
him  a  war,  the  like 
whereof  was  never 
known  on  earth  before. 


CH.  II.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


13 


CHAPTER  II. 

1  Peace  reigneth  in  En.  2 
Internal  discord  is  loosed. 
4  The  men  of  Ire  have 
much  power.  6  They  ob- 
tain their  demands.  12 
Petty  strife  prevaileth. 
14  The  priests  see  wicked- 
ness everywhere.  19  The 
owners  of  ships  raise  their 
hire.  26  The  rulers  are 
blamed.  27  Concerning  the 
war  scribes. 

"^  OW  there  was  peace 
"'■^  throughout  all  the 
land  of  En,  and  the 
noise  of  battle  was  afar 
off.  And  the  merchants 
of  the  world  did  bring 
their  wares  for  to  sell 
them,  even  fine  cloth 
and  spices  thai  were 
rare  did  they  bring  in 
their  ships. 

2  ^But  he  that  put- 
teth  away  the  sword 
doth  loosen  the  tongue; 
wherefore  it  came  to 
pass  that  there  was 
great  talk  amongst  the 
rulers,  and  the  mighty 
men  did  say  things,  the 
one  against  the  other. 


3  And  there  were 
many  jealousies 
amongst  them,  and  they 
did  utter  spiteful  say- 
ings concerning  each 
other;  verily,  they  were 
like  unto  evil-minded 
children  in  a  quarrel, 
and  their  pettiness  of 
spirit  was  an  abomina- 
tion. 

4  f  Now  an  House 
that  is  divided  against 
itself  will  stand  any- 
thing. And  when  men 
from  the  land  of  Ire 
took  power  into  their 
own  hands  and  did  rule 
over  En,  there  was  no 
one  amongst  the  rulers 
to  say  them  nay. 

5  And  the  men  of  Ire 
exacted  tribute  from  the 
rulers,  and  the  people 
of  the  land  rebelled  not ; 
for  penury  doth  bring 
forth  wisdom,  but  pros- 
perity breedeth  only 
fools.  And  the  pros- 
perity of  the  land  of  En 
was  great. 

6  T[  And     when     the 


14 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  11. 


men  of  Ire  saw  that  all 
that  which  they  de- 
manded was  given  unto 
them,  they  did  make 
them  long  faces,  and 
did  grumble  aloud,  and 
did  utter  groans  in  the 
public  places  and 
strange  noises  in  the 
portals  of  the  House. 
And  when  they  had 
thus  prepared  the  way 
for  it,  they  did  straight- 
ways  ask  for  more. 

7  And  a  few  that 
dwelt  in  the  land  of  En 
did  make  them  a  stand, 
saying,  What  we  have 
given  unto  you,  it  is 
enough.  Therefore,  get 
ye  hence,  ye  men  of 
Ire. 

8  And  the  men  of  Ire 
waxed  very  wroth,  and 
they  did  curse  the  men 
of  En  and  did  swear 
strange  oaths  concern- 
ing them,  so  that  they 
that  were  weak  amongst 
the  rulers  began  to 
shiver  in  their  sandals. 

9  And  they  held  them 
a  council  together  in 
secret  and  did  agitate 
themselves  greatly,  seek- 


ing for  a  means  where- 
by they  might  escape 
from  the  wrath  of  the 
men  of  Ire,  for  it  was  a 
terrible  wrath,  being 
very  ugly. 

10  And  after  one  had 
said  one  thing  and  an- 
other had  said  another 
thing,  then  did  all  them 
that  were  gathered  to- 
gether make  them  an 
agreement,  and  they  did 
give  unto  the  men  of  Ire 
all  those  things  that 
they  had  demanded. 

11  And  the  men  of 
Ire  prepared  them  long 
faces  and  did  get  them 
ready  for  another  occa- 
sion. Neither  was  the 
day  ever  known  when 
any  man  that  was  from 
Ire  did  render  thanks 
for  that  which  he  had 
received. 

12  ^And  class  quar- 
relled with  class,  the  ar- 
tisan with  the  master, 
the  noble  with  the  serf, 
the  priests  with  the  peo- 
ple, and  the  fools  ivith 
one  another. 

13  And  all  those  that 
thought  one  thing  did 


CH.   II.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


15 


contend  with  them  that 
did  think  another  thing, 
and  the  bickering  that 
was  between  them,  it 
was  very  great. 

14  ^And  there  were 
those  amongst  the 
priests  that  did  travel 
about  the  country,  cry- 
ing out  in  a  loud  voice, 
and  saying,  Wicked- 
ness !  Wickedness !  All 
is  wickedness ! 

15  And  they  did  say 
many  things  concerning 
the  young  men  and  con- 
cerning the  damsels, 
and  also  concerning 
them  both  together. 
And  those  that  listened 
unto  them  were  amazed 
that  such  things  should 
be ;  and  some  there  were 
that  doubted. 

16  And  the  priests 
did  raise  their  hands 
unto  heaven,  saying. 
Deliver  us  from  evil. 
And  the  people  did 
drop  their  hands  to- 
wards the  earth,  saying, 
Deliver  us  from  the 
priests. 

17  And  notwith- 
standing  all  that  which 


M-as  said  by  the  priests 
and  by  them  that  did 
gruh  into  things,  the 
wickedness  of  the  peo- 
ple was  in  no  wise 
greater  than  the  wicked- 
ness of  the  other  nations 
of  the  world. 

18  And  this  was  the 
state  of  the  land  of  En 
when  Willi  did  make 
him  the  War :  but  after- 
wards, it  was  different. 
For  the  rulers  declared 
them  a  truce,  and  no 
longer  cried  out  after 
one  another  in  the  pub- 
lic places;  nevertheless, 
the  ardour  of  the  priests 
remained  without  abate- 
ment, and  there  were 
those  amongst  the  news- 
mongers on  both  sides 
that  did  conceal  their 
partisanship  in  an  ill 
manner. 

19  ^  And  because  the 
land  of  En  was  built 
upon  an  island,  there- 
fore was  it  necessary  for 
the  food  of  the  people 
to  he  brought  unto  them 
in  ships. 

20  And  the  men  of 
Hu   did   sink   of  these 


16 


THE  BOOK  OP  AETEMAS 


ships  a  few,  and  the  rul- 
ers of  the  land  did  seize 
a  great  number  of  them 
for  to  carry  the  armies 
and  the  implements  of 
war.  Wherefore  the 
number  of  them  that 
were  available  for  to 
bring  the  people's  food, 
it  was  less  than  be- 
fore. 

21  And  they  that  did 
own  the  ships  that  re- 
mained did  make  them 
new  rates  of  freight  that 
were  twofold,  and  three- 
fold, and  fourfold 
greater  than  those  that 
had  been  before. 

22  And  the  mer- 
chants did  make  them 
higher  prices  for  the 
wares  that  they  did  sell ; 
and  some  did  do  so  be- 
cause it  was  forced  upon 
them ;  and  others  did  do 
so  because  they  were 
greedy  for  the  profits, 
wherefore  they  spake 
privily,  the  one  unto 
the  other,  saying,  See, 
brother,  the  opportunity 
is  upon  us. 

23  And  because  it 
was   heyond  them   and 


[OH.  II. 

they  could  devise  no 
plan  against  it,  there- 
fore did  the  rulers  of 
the  land  hold  themselves 
aloof  from  all  these 
things  for  a  full  two 
years. 

24  Wherefore  the 
people  did  pay  them 
very  dearly  for  every- 
thing that  they  did  eat, 
and  those  that  did  sell 
merchandise  in  the  mar- 
ket places,  these  grew 
fat  in  a  lean  time. 

25  And  when  the 
people  murmured,  the 
rulers  spake  soft  words 
unto  them,  saying,  As- 
suredly is  your  lot  cast 
in  an  hard  place;  even 
so,  the  straits  of  the  men 
of  Hu,  are  they  not 
worse  than  yours  ?  And 
because  it  was  war, 
therefore  were  the  peo- 
ple easily  appeased. 

26  j[  Never  t  h  e  1  e  s  s, 
there  were  many  that 
complained  because  the 
owners  of  the  ships  and 
those  that  sold  the  peo- 
ple's food  did  make 
them  profits  such  as 
never  before ;  and  many 


OH.  ir.j 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


17 


blamed  the  rulers  that 
did  countenance  such 
things  at  a  time  when 
there  was  war. 

27  j[Now  there  were 
certain  men  amongst 
the  scribes  and  they  did 
wage  them  the  war  on 
paper. 

28  And,  of  these,  Bel- 
loc  did  write  him  for  the 
great  captains  and  for 
them  in  authority,  that 
they  might  read  and 
learn  and  receive  his 
commandments. 

29  And  Blatch  did 
write  him  for  the  com- 
mon soldier,  wherefore 
the  violence  of  his  words 
was  a  thing  for  delight, 
demolishing  all  con- 
trary argument. 

30  And  Garv  did 
write  him  so  that  all 
might  read.  And  be- 
cause there  ivas  nothing 
that  this  man  did  leave 
unwritten,  therefore  did 
those  that  followed  him 


perforce     forego     their 
sabbath  meal. 

31  And  there  was 
also  Horatio,  being  he 
that  did  for  ever  step 
into  the  breach;  yea, 
even  into  the  breach 
that  was  not  there  did 
he  step;  and  he  wrote 
concerning  righteous- 
ness and  blood. 

32  And  there  were 
also  others  in  great 
number,  and  all  did 
write  them  freely  and 
as  men  that  did  know. 

33  And  when  the  cap- 
tains did  not  do  those 
things  that  had  been 
written  down  for  their 
instruction,  then  was 
there  much  anger  a- 
mongst  the  war  scribes, 
and  they  did  gnash 
their  teeth  in  ra^e. 

34  Wherefore  they 
were  continually  pro- 
voked beyond  endur- 
ance, and  they  wrote 
them  more  because  of  it. 


18. 


THE  BOOK  OP  ABTEMAS 


[CH.  m. 


CHAPTER   III. 

1  The  rulers  in  En.  3  Con- 
cerning Herbert.  8.  Con- 
cerning David.  11  Con- 
cerning Winston.  13  Con- 
cerning Walter.  14  Con- 
cerning Reginald.  19 
Concerning  Samuel.  20 
Concerning  Simon.  25 
Concerning  Masterman. 
26  Concerning  Augitstine. 
29  Concerning  Grey.  33 
Concerning  John.  34 
Concerning  Haldane.  41 
Concerning  Tennant.  42 
Concerning  the  other  rul- 
ers. 

'M'OW  these  were  the 
^^  rulers  in  the  land 
of  En  in  the  days  when 
George  that  was  the 
Fifth  did  reign  and 
the  Great  War  was  he- 
gun. 

2  There  was  Herbert, 
and  David,  and  Win- 
ston, and  Walter,  and 
Reginald,  and  Samuel, 
and  Simon,  and  Master- 
man,  and  Augustine, 
and  Grey,  and  John, 
and  Haldane,  and  Ten- 
nant;   and    there   were 


also  others,  whereof  the 
number  was  great  be- 
yond computation. 

3  ^  And  Herbert  was 
the  man  that  was  re- 
sponsible unto  the  peo- 
ple, and  he  did  take  the 
head  place  at  the  table 
whereat  the  rulers  did 
sit.  And  there  was  in 
him  an  abundance  of 
patience  such  as  no  man 
did  ever  have  he  fore; 
and  he  did  keep  the  rul- 
ers together,  all  in  one 
body. 

4  And  in  time  of  dis- 
cord he  was  like  unto  a 
gentle  shepherd  when 
the  rams  do  fight,  and 
them  that  spake  angrily 
in  the  council  chamber 
he  did  soften  with  hon- 
eyed words. 

5  Nevertheless,  there 
were  some  that  did  say 
wicked  things  concern- 
ing him,  and  they  did 
compare  him  unto  a 
woman  that  is  advanced 
in  years. 

6  And    Herbert   had 


CH.  III.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


19 


taken    unto    himself    a 
wife. 

7  And  when  the  time 
came,  he  did  leave 
the  head  place  at  the 
table  whereat  the  rulers 
did  sit,  and  he  did 
SO. 

8  11  Now  before  that 
it  was  war,  David  was 
an  hated  man;  yet  was 
he  also  loved.  And  aft- 
erwards it  came  to  pass 
that  he  was  a  much 
loved  man,  yet  was  he 
also  hated. 

9  And  David  did 
many  things  so  that  men 
spake  about  him,  saying, 
Behold,  he  is  like  unto  a 
skeleton  key  that  fitteth 
all  locks.  And  whatso- 
ever there  is  need  of, 
that  thing  will  he  surely 
do. 

10  But  "because  he 
was  new  made  and  did 
carry  on,  therefore  he 
lost  favour  with  certain 
of  the  Pharisees,  and  his 
name  did  become  an 
abomination  unto  them. 
Yet,  when  the  tims 
came,  he  went  up  unto 
the  head   place   at  the 


table  whereat  the  rulers 
did  sit. 

11  ^Now  Winston 
was  a  wild  youth  and 
rash,  hot  of  the  tongue 
and  venturous  in  his 
undertakings.  Never- 
theless, he  was  not  lack- 
ing in  understanding. 

12  And  because  he 
was  like  unto  new  wine 
when  the  vintage  is 
good,  therefore  did  they 
set  him  down  in  a  place 
that  was  cool,  saying, 
Peradventure,  in  a  lit- 
tle time,  there  will  be 
maturity. 

13  ^  And  Walter  was 
over  all  them  that  did 
deal  in  merchandise, 
and  he  sojourned 
amongst  the  rulers  dur- 
ing many  months.  And 
the  things  that  he  did 
do,  what  man  knoweth 
thereof?  And  when  the 
time  came,  he  did  go. 

14  ^Now  Reginald 
was  blessed  with  an 
heart  that  was  overflow- 
ing with  the  milk  of  hu- 
man kindness,  and  the 
lot  of  the  immigrants 
from   the   land   of   Hu 


20 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


did  move  him  mightily, 
so  that  he  did  weep 
tears, 

15  And  there  were 
many  of  these  men  in 
the  land  of  En,  some  of 
them  being  there  that 
they  might  make  money, 
and  some  of  them  were 
come  for  to  spy  out  the 
land. 

16  But  Reginald  did 
scorn  to  make  him  a  dis- 
tinction between  them, 
fearing  lest  some  man 
should  say.  See,  there  is 
one  that  he  favoureth. 

17  Neither  would  he 
lay  himself  out  to  hin- 
der any  man  that  was 
earning  his  bread;  and 
the  spies  that  were  in 
the  land,  it  was  their 
means  of  livelihood. 

18  Therefore  did  he 
uphold  them,  each  man 
in  his  place,  because  he 
was  Reginald.  Where- 
fore there  were  many 
that  concei'ved  him  weak 
unto  foolishness.  And 
when  the  time  came,  he 
did  go. 

19  ^And  unto  Sam- 
uel   was    given    power 


[CH.  ni. 

over  all  the  cities  of  En. 
And  this  man's  name 
was  not  for  ever  in  the 
mouths  of  the  people, 
neither  did  they  con- 
cern themselves  at  all 
with  the  things  that  he 
did  do.  Nevertheless, 
he  was  not  an  idle  man. 
But  when  the  time 
came,  he  did  go. 

20  ^Now  Simon  was 
a  man  that  was  strange 
in  his  beliefs,  neither 
was  he  an  help  in  time 
of  trouble.  And  there 
were  some  that,  seeking 
the  reason  for  his  fall- 
ing away  in  the  time  of 
his  country 's  tribula- 
tion, did  say  he  was  pos- 
sessed of  a  devil. 

21  And  he  was  a  man 
peaceable  beyond  all 
reason,  so  that  he  did 
put  himself  against  the 
patriots  of  the  land  of 
En  when  they  did  set 
them  out  for  to  wage 
war  in  a  cause  that  was 
just. 

22  And  because  he 
and  those  that  were 
with  him  were  as  a 
voice  that  crieth  in  the 


CH.  III.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


21 


wilderness,  therefore  he 
did  get  him  out  from  the 
inner  chamber  wherein 
did  sit  the  rulers  of  the 
land,  and  he  did  make 
one  cause  with  them 
that  did  for  ever  carp 
and  cavil. 

23  And  when  the 
counsellors  assembled 
together  for  to  make 
them  ordinances  for  the 
salvation  of  the  country, 
then  would  Simon  rise 
upon  his  feet  and  he 
would  make  him  an  ob- 
jection ;  therefore  was 
he  an  hindrance  unto 
them  that  did  strive 
against  the  perils  that 
beset  the  land. 

24  And  Simon  was 
not  loved  in  the  country 
of  En.  Yet  was  he  ear- 
nest in  the  things  that 
he  did  do,  being  a  man 
with  a  conviction  that  is 
founded  amiss. 

25  Ij  And  he  that  was 
chief  amongst  all  the 
rulers  did  say,  on  an  oc- 
casion. Find  thou  me 
the  man;  then  will  I 
find  the  office.  So  they 
found  him   Masterman. 


And     when     the     time 
came,  he  did  go. 

26  IJNow  Augustine 
was  a  great  sage,  and 
there  was  no  man  in  all 
the  land  of  En  that  did 
surpass  him  in  the 
knowledge  that  is  gotten 
of  books.  Therefore 
they  did  make  him  to 
rule  over  the  land  of 
Ire. 

27  And  on  a  time 
when  he  was  deep  in  en- 
gagement with  the 
words  of  the  ancient 
Greeks,  behold,  the  men 
of  Ire  stole  up  secretly 
and  they  fell  upon  his 
servants  so  that  many  of 
them  did  die. 

28  And  when  it  was 
told  unto  Augustine 
what  the  men  of  Ire  had 
done  unto  his  servants, 
he  was  filled  with  a 
great  wonder  and  his 
breast  was  torn  with 
sorrow.  And  because  it 
was  a  thing  that  liked 
him  not,  therefore  did 
he  remove  himself  from 
amongst  the  seats  of  the 
rulers,  neither  returned 
he  thither  again. 


22 


THE   BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  III. 


29  U  Now  the  chief  of 
the  scribes  that  did 
write  unto  the  rulers  of 
the  nations  concerning 
matters,  his  name  was 
Grey,  And  he  did  send 
him  epistles  unto  the 
four  corners  of  the 
earth,  saying  this  and 
saying  that. 

30  And  to  him  there 
were  given  many  tasks 
that  were  difficult,  and 
he  did  not  always  find 
favour  with  the  people ; 
for  there  are  some  that 
look  from  afar  towards 
the  end,  but  the  stones 
that  are  upon  the  way, 
them  do  they  count  not 
at  all. 

31  And  it  was  said 
concerning  him  that  he 
was  a  man  of  strength 
in  time  of  stress,  but  in 
the  leading  up  and  aft- 
erwards, then  was  he 
weak  as  twine  that  is 
boiled,  and  slow  as  wa- 
ter standing  in  a  pond. 

32  But  many  of  the 
things  that  he  did  do 
were  good,  and  his  name 
was  not  without  honour 
in  the  land.    Yet  when 


the  time  came,  he  did 
go. 

33  ^John,  that  was 
also  called  Honest,  was 
another  of  them  that  be- 
lieved not  in  war. 
Therefore  he  did  hide 
himself  away  in  the 
shadows  of  oblivion ; 
but  he  hindered  not  the 
rulers  in  their  endeav- 
our. 

34  ^Now  Haldane 
was  the  Keeper  of  the 
King's  Conscience  in 
the  land  of  En,  and  he 
was  a  man  that  was 
learned  in  the  ways  of 
the  men  of  Hu,  for  his 
spirit  abode  amongst 
them;  and  the  King  of 
Hu,  he  did  love  him  as 
a  brother. 

35  And  the  time  came 
when  all  the  people 
cried  out  with  a  loud 
voice,  saying,  Haldane 
must  go!  But  because 
the  winds  did  blow  in  an 
high  quarter,  he  heard 
them  not. 

36  And  there  was  a 
certain  man  and  his 
name  was  Northcliffe. 
And  it  came  to  pass  that 


CH.   III.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


23 


when  he  cried  out,  be- 
hold, his  voice  did  rise 
even  as  the  winds,  and 
it  was  above  the  shouts 
of  all  the  other  people. 

37  And  when  North- 
cliffe  had  raised  his 
voice  for  a  long  time  so 
that  his  throat  was  raw, 
being  like  unto  the  flesh 
of  a  kid  thai  is  newly 
killed, 

38  And  when  all  the 
people  had  joined  with 
him,  shouting  in  a 
mighty  voice  that  did 
shake  the  seats  of  the 
rulers  with  the  violence 
of  its  clamour, 

39  Then  did  Haldane 
hear,  and  he  hearkened 
unto  them. 

40  And  the  people  re- 
joiced them  exceedingly, 
thinking  it  not  good  for 
one  that  had  been  in 
with  the  men  of  Hu  to 


hold  an  high  position  in 
the  land. 

41  ^Now  Tennant 
was  adroit  of  the 
tongue.  And  when  cer- 
tain of  the  counsellors 
questioned  him  closely, 
seeking  that  they  might 
entrap  him,  he  would 
answer  them  with  a 
multitude  of  words ; 
nevertheless  would  he 
not  say  anything.  And 
when  the  ti/nie  came,  he 
did  go. 

42  ^  And  concerning 
the  other  rulers  of  the 
land  of  En  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  Great  War, 
is  it  not  written  in  the 
Book  of  Stubbs?  Both 
their  names  and  the 
streets  wherein  they  did 
have  their  habitations, 
thou  shalt  find  them  in 
that  Book  in  the  order 
that  is  of  the  alphabet. 


24 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  IV. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


1  The  caution  of  the  rulers, 
4  They  make  them  a  cen- 
sor. 11  The  people  com- 
plain. 14  They  tell  the 
people  more.  15  And  ap- 
point Balf  to  speak  con- 
cerning the  navy.  20  Ke 
doeth  so.  26  And  becom- 
eth  a  laughing  stock. 


"^  OW  when  the  rulers 
^^  of  the  land  made 
them  a  war,  they  be- 
came very  wary,  fearing 
lest  their  enemies 
should  discover  those 
things  that  they  had  in 
store  for  them. 

2  And  they  said,  the 
one  unto  the  other,  It 
were  prudent  to  say 
nothing  unto  the  com- 
mon people  concerning 
what  we  have  done.  In 
this  manner  shall  we 
preserve  their  peace  of 
mind,  and  it  will  be  a 
means  also  whereby  we 
may  throw  dust  in  the 
eyes  of  the  men  of  IIu. 
But  after  it  is  all  over, 


then  will  we  tell  the  peo- 
ple. 

3  And  because  the 
thing  that  they  did  con- 
template was  not  pos- 
sible, therefore  were 
they  constrained  to  tell 
unto  the  people  certain 
things  concerning  the 
war  and  how  went  the 
day. 

4  ^Nevertheless,  they 
were  affrighted  lest  the 
people  should  learn  too 
much,  and  so  they  made 
them  a  censor.  And  this 
was  one  that  would  say, 
This  is  so,  and  this  only ; 
the  rest,  it  is  not  so. 

5  And  they  that  sold 
news  unto  the  people 
were  vastly  provoked, 
for  it  liked  them  not  to 
be  told  the  things  that 
they  should  say;  also 
was  it  an  hindrance 
unto  them  to  be  circum- 
scribed by  the  truth. 

6  And  when  they 
came  into  the  presence 
of  the  censor  and  bowed 
themselves    low    before 


CH.  IV.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


25 


him  (for  he  was  a  great 
man),  he  would  have 
none  of  them. 

7  And  he  would  say 
unto  them,  These  three 
lines,  they  are  official: 
but  the  other  things  that 
have  happened,  they  did 
happen  not  at  all. 

8  And  those  amongst 
the  newsdealers  that  did 
know  something  would 
foam  at  the  mouth  in 
the  violence  of  their 
rage.  And  they  would 
spit  upon  the  floor  and 
would  utter  deep  curses. 

9  And  because  he  was 
an  orderly  man,  there- 
fore did  the  censor  make 
him  a  scheme  for  the 
better  administration  of 
all  those  things  that 
were  within  his  author- 
ity. And  the  scheme 
that  he  did  make,  it  was 
this. 

10  After  a  thing  had 
become  known  in  the 
land  of  Hu  for  the  space 
of  thirty  days,  then 
would  he  deliberate  in 
his  mind  concerning  it. 
And  if  it  seemed  good 
unto   him,   after   seven 


days  had  passed  he 
would  impart  it  unto 
the  people. 

11  ^  And  there  was  a 
great  outcry  throughout 
all  the  land,  for  this  was 
but  one  of  many  things. 
Verily,  the  patience  of 
Job  was  not  tried  as  the 
patience  of  the  men  of 
En  in  the  days  when 
they  waged  war. 

12  And  the  people 
said  unto  the  rulers, 
Why  do  ye  these  things, 
ye  men  of  little  under- 
standing? Are  we  chil- 
dren that  ye  treat  us 
thus,  and  have  ye  no 
faith  in  the  strength  of 
our  conviction? 

13  All  those  things 
that  are  safe  for  us  to 
know,  them  shall  ye  tell 
unto  us.  And  if  the  tid- 
ings be  good,  assuredly 
we  will  rejoice.  And  if 
the  tidings  be  bad,  they 
shall  but  serve  to  fortify 
our  purpose.  The  tem- 
pest disturbeth  the  wa- 
ters, the  tempest  reveal- 
eth  the  rock. 

14  ^And  the  rulers 
heard  what  the  people 


26 


THE  BOOK  OF  ABTEMAS 


[CH.   IV. 


did  say,  and  they  heark- 
ened unto  them.  And 
they  said  unto  him  that 
was  the  censor,  The  peo- 
ple are  complaining  be- 
cause they  know  not 
how  goes  the  day. 
Therefore  shalt  thou  tell 
them  more  about  it :  but 
take  care  that  it  &e  not 
much  more.  And  he 
did  that  which  the  rul- 
ers had  told  him  to  do. 

15  If  And  the  rulers 
of  the  land  did  also  call 
u/nto  them  a  certain 
man,  and  his  name  was 
Balf.  And  he  was  over 
all  the  vessels  of  war,  a 
mighty  force,  supreme 
upon  the  seas. 

16  And  they  said 
unto  him,  Because  thou 
art  thou,  therefore  shalt 
thou  say  unto  the  peo- 
ple whatsoever  seemeth 
good  unto  thee. 

17  For  thou  hast  a 
wise  head  and  a  still 
tongue,  and  whatsoever 
thou  sayest,  it  will  not 
be  too  much. 

18  Now  it  came  to 
pass  that  the  vessels  of 
the  men  of  En  did  fight 


with  the  vessels  of  the 
men  of  Hu  in  a  great 
battle,  and  it  raged  for 
a  long  time. 

19  And  before  it  was 
come  to  an  end,  behold, 
the  vessels  of  the  men  of 
Hu  did  steal  away 
quickly  and  did  hide 
them  in  a  mist,  for  the 
day  had  not  gone  well 
with  them,  and  they 
were  sore  afflicted. 

20  ^  And  when  word 
was  brought  unto  Balf 
concerning  the  battle, 
and  concerning  the 
numbers  that  had  per- 
ished on  both  sides,  he 
did  call  the  people  unto 
him,  and  he  spake  unto 
them,  saying, 

21  "Woe  is  this  day 
that  hath  brought  deso- 
lation unto  En.  Know 
ye,  O  my  brothers,  how 
many  be  slain  of  them 
that  sailed  against  the 
men  of  Hu  ?  Assuredly, 
the  number  thereof,  it  is 
very  great.  And  of  the 
vessels  of  war,  there  he 
many  destroyed.  Ver- 
ily is  this  a  day  that  is 
full  of  woe. 


CH.  IV.] 


THE   BOOK  OP  ABTEMAS 


27 


22  And  when  the  peo- 
ple heard  that  which  he 
did  say  unto  them,  they 
were  perturbed  beyond 
measure,  fearing  they 
knew  not  what, 

23  And  after  a  cer- 
tain time  had  passed  by, 
he  called  the  people 
unto  him  again,  and  he 
spake  unto  them,  saying, 
Wherefore  are  ye  per- 
turbed and  why  cast 
down? 

24  Listen  unto  me,  ye 
men  of  gloom,  and  re- 
joice at  my  words.  For 
in  that  battle  whereof  I 
have  told  you,  many 
perished  that  sailed 
from  En;  but  amongst 
the  men  of  Hu  there  was 
carnage  that  was  great 


beyond  compare.  And 
that  day  did  see  our  ad- 
versary vanquished  in 
the  fight. 

25  And  they  that 
heard  him  were  amazed 
and  said,  the  one  unto 
the  other,  What  strange 
fruits,  these,  of  his  phi- 
losophy ! 

26  II  But  the  news- 
mongers gloried  in  his 
foolishness,  hecause  he 
was  the  mouthpiece  of 
the  rulers. 

27  Nevertheless,  he 
that  was  the  censor  re- 
laxed not  his  vigilance, 
so  that  nothing  was 
known  in  the  land  of  En 
save  only  those  things 
that  were  necessary  for 
to  quiet  the  people. 


28 


THE  BOOK  OP  ABTEMAS 


[CH.  V. 


CHAPTER  V. 

1  Concerning  the  changes 
that  were  wrought  by  the 
war.  2  The  debtors  are 
given  grace.  4  Strong 
drink  becometh  hard  to 
get.  10  It  groweth  diffi- 
cult to  make  a  journey. 
16  The  bazaars  are  closed 
at  an  early  hour.  20  Much 
money  is  earned  by  the 
workers.  22  The  manner 
of  spending  it. 

A  ND  these  are  certam 
'^*-  of  the  things  that 
did  come  to  pass  in  the 
land  of  En  during 
the  days  of  the  Great 
War. 

2  f  Now  immediately 
that  there  was  war, 
grace  was  given  unto 
them  that  were  in  deht ; 
and  that  which  they  did 
owe,  for  a  certain  time 
they  did  not  pay  it. 

3  Therefore  was  the 
war  a  mixed  blessing 
unto  such  as  these,  and 
in  those  places  that  are 
beyond  the  Gate  of  Net- 
ting Hill,   the  days  of 


grace  were  welcomed 
with  the  sound  of  tim- 
brels and  there  was 
much  rejoicing. 

4  ^And  those  that 
drank  not  strong  drink 
set  them  to  work.  And 
they  concealed  their 
purpose  beneath  the 
shadow  of  the  war,  and 
they  prevailed  upon  the 
rulers  to  he  an  help  unto 
them. 

5  And  so  it  was  that 
the  doors  of  the  taverns 
were  closed  against  the 
people  save  only  for  five 
hours  during  the  day; 
neither  was  it  lawful  for 
them  to  buy  any  strong 
drink  from  the  publi- 
cans except  at  the  time 
appointed. 

6  In  this  wise  did  the 
water  bibbers  advantage 
their  object,  for  they 
had  rightly  conceived 
that  the  war  was  an 
hefty  lever  wherewith 
to  work  their  will. 

7  And  those  that 
drank  of  the  juice  of  the 


CH.  v.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


29 


grape  did  become  quick 
at  the  swallow,  for  the 
time  that  they  did  have, 
it  was  short. 

8  And  the  preachers 
and  all  those  that  did 
meddle  with  the  inde- 
pendence of  the  people 
were  filled  with  pious 
joy,  and  they  rejoiced  in 
their  tabernacles  of 
stone  and  of  tin,  and  in 
their  habitations  also, 
saying,  Thus  are  the 
wicked  punished  and 
the  thirsty  sent  empty 
away. 

9  And  because  the 
publicans  were  the  peo- 
ple to  go  for,  and  they 
did  know  it,  therefore 
did  they  not  complain; 
and  the  cocoa  gulpers 
triumphed  on  that  day. 

10  |[Now  there  were 
many  sojourning  in  the 
land  of  En  that  came  of 
an  hostile  country.  And 
because  they  were  a 
danger  unto  the  state, 
therefore  did  the  rulers 
make  new  laws  concern- 
ing them. 

11  And  to  this  end, 
whosoever    did    travel 


unto  certain  places  was 
commanded  to  write 
him  his  name  in  a  book 
that  was  at  the  inn 
where  he  did  rest. 

12  Now  when  a  man 
and  a  woman  did  jour- 
ney unto  the  sea  and  did 
sojourn  there  for  a 
week-end,  then  would 
they  say  unto  all  and 
sundry,  Behold,  a  priest 
has  licensed  us  to  do 
this  thing,  for  we  are 
wed. 

13  And  sometimes  it 
was  so:  but  there  were 
some  that  did  lie  about 
it,  hoping  perchance  to 
save  them  lodgment 
money,  or  fearing  to  of- 
fend the  righteous. 

14  Therefore  was  the 
new  law  a  cause  of  vexa- 
tion unto  them,  for  to 
write  in  a  book  their 
true  names,  it  was  not 
wise ;  and  to  write  them 
names  that  were  false,  it 
was  a  dangerous  thing 
and  costly  withal. 

15  And  though  many 
complained  in  secret, 
nevertheless,  there  was 
no  change  made  in  the 


30 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


law,  for  the  rulers  of  the 
land  did  rightly  own 
no  knowledge  touching 
such  affairs;  and  they 
that  did  transgress  did 
pay  the  penalty. 

16  ^And  it  was  or- 
dained that  all  the  ba- 
zaars throughout  the 
land  should  close  them 
their  doors  at  eight 
hours  after  midday. 

17  Yea,  even  unto 
them  that  sold  tobacco 
and  unto  the  vendors  of 
sweet  stuffs  was  the 
mandate  sent.  And  he- 
cause  these  were  used  to 
ply  their  trades  by 
night  as  well  as  by  day, 
therefore  did  the  order 
seem  the  more  amazing 
unto  them. 

18  And  the  damsels 
liked  it  not  because  of 
their  stomachs.  And 
when  a  man  did  go  for 
to  buy  him  cigarettes 
and  it  was  too  late,  he 
would  utter  maledic- 
tions upon  the  doorstep ; 
and  the  next  time  he 
would  remember, 

19  And  in  the  time  of 
his  extremity  the  mar- 


[CH.   V. 

ried  man  did  borrow 
from  his  wife;  and  it 
did  cost  him  dear  be- 
cause she  did  have  her 
price.  Verily,  whatso- 
ever she  desired,  that 
did  she  get  out  of  him, 
for  the  moment  was  fa- 
vourable unto  her  pur- 
pose. 

20  f  And  many  were 
put  to  labour  on  muni- 
tions, and  they  did  work 
them  long  hours  at  a 
goodly  recompense. 

21  And  when  the 
week  was  come  unto  its 
end,  then  did  they  re- 
ceive their  hire ;  and  be- 
cause it  was  a  lot  of 
money,  they  knew  not 
what  to  do  with  it. 

22fAnd  some 
bought  them  musical 
instruments ;  wherefore 
was  there  great  com- 
plaining amongst  those 
that  lived  round  about, 
for  the  noise  that  they 
did  make  was  as  the  har- 
mony of  the  damned. 

23  And  amongst  the 
women,  there  were  some 
that  bought  them  fea- 
thers and  ribands  of  a 


CH.  v.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


31 


gaudy  hue;  and  they 
adorned  themselves 
most  wonderfully. 

24  And  whensoever 
they  ventured  forth  into 
the  public  places,  there 
was  a  stir  amongst  the 
populace.  Yea,  verily, 
from  the  north  unto  the 
south,  and  from  the  east 
unto  the  west,  whereso- 
ever they  appeared,  the 
people  were  amazed  at 
the  strangeness  of  their 
garb. 

25  But  there  were 
many  that  being  full  of 
wisdom  and  aflame  with 
love  of  En,  did  lend  a 
part  of  that  which  they 
earned  unto  the  rulers 
of  the  land  for  to 
buy  them  munitions  of 
war. 

26  And,  howsoever 
much  it  was,  it  did 
breed  them  profits  dur- 
ing every  year  that  it 
was  away,  so  that  they 
prospered  and  became 
men  of  substance. 

27  Nevertheless,  there 
was  fear  in  them  that 
when  the  war  was  come 
to   an    end   the    rulers 


would  take  from  each  so 
much,  saying  unto  him, 
A  good  and  faithful 
servant  has  thou  been 
and  prudent,  and  thou 
wast  an  help  unto  us 
when  we  had  need  of 
thee.     And  now,  listen: 

28  Inasmuch  as  thy 
brothers  have  wasted 
their  substance  on  idle 
things  of  no  account, 
therefore  are  they  be- 
come paupers,  and  they 
are  hungerstarved. 

29  But  thou  hast  been 
saving  in  the  past  and 
thine  hire  has  bred  thee 
profits.  Thy  foresight 
has  delivered  thee  from 
want  during  all  the  days 
of  thy  life. 

30  Therefore  shalt 
thou  pay  so  much  unto 
each  of  thy  poor  breth- 
ren, for  in  this  wise  they 
shall  have  subsistence 
that  will  keep  them  safe 
from  want. 

31  And  the  wasters 
winked  them  each  the 
left  eye,  for  they  knew 
full  well  that  when  the 
time  came  that  they 
were  impoverished,  then 


32 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


would  the  thrifty  ones 
be   taxed    for   to    feed 
them. 
32  For     the     frugal 


[CH.  V. 

man  shall  sweat ;  but  the 
waster,  he  shall  lap  it 
up.  And  so  it  was  in 
the  land  of  En. 


CH.  VI.] 


THE   BOOK   OF   ARTEMAS 


33 


CHAPTER   VI. 

1  The  cJdef  amongst  the  tax 
gatherers  speaketh  unto 
the  people.  5  They  heark- 
en unto  him.  9  Wherefore 
the  price  of  paper  increas- 
eth.  12  The  people  are 
divided  amongst  them- 
selves concerning  the  notes 
of  paper.  17  The  nature 
thereof.  19  The  people 
lend  their  money  unto  the 
rulers.  26  And  the  land 
of  En  becometh  mighty. 

A  ND  because  there 
"^*'  was  war,  therefore 
did  he  that  was  chief 
amongst  the  tax  gather- 
ers send  word  unto  the 
people  regarding  what 
they  should  do.  And  he 
said  unto  them,  Heark- 
en unto  me,  all  ye  men 
of  wealth,  and  obey  my 
behests. 

2  Ye  know  that  the 
hosts  of  En  are  gone  out 
against  a  mighty  enemy, 
against  a  strong  foe  and 
one  that  is  wary.  And 
his  armaments  are  ter- 
rible beyond  anything 
seen    by    men    before. 


Therefore  it  behoves  us 
to  gird  up  our  loins  for 
the  fray,  because  it  will 
be  a  fight  unto  the 
death. 

3  And  all  the  gold 
that  ye  have,  that  bring 
ye  unto  me,  and  I  will 
give  you  notes  that  are 
of  paper  in  place  of  it. 
And  whatsoever  ye  may 
buy  with  gold,  that  may 
ye  also  buy  with  the 
notes  of  paper. 

4  And  our  strength 
will  be  great  amongst 
the  nations,  for  gold 
maketh  a  good  ambassa- 
dor. And  we  will  buy 
us  deadly  engines  of 
war  and  munitions  in  a 
great  quantity,  for  a 
long  purse  sufficeth  in 
all  things. 

5  j[  And  so  the  people 
did  bring  gold  unto  the 
rulers,  some  in  pieces  of 
ten,  some  in  pieces  of  an 
hundred,  and  some  in 
pieces  of  a  thousand. 
Verily,  whatever  gold 
the    people    did    have, 


34 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


that  did  they  bring  with 
them. 

6  And  as  the  people 
delivered  their  gold 
unto  the  one  appointed, 
he  would  say  unto  them, 
How  many  pieces  of 
gold  hast  thou  brought, 
brother  ?  And  he  would 
answer  them,  saying, 
Such  and  such  a  num- 
ber have  I  brought. 

7  And  he  would  ex- 
change him  the  gold  for 
notes  of  paper,  even  one 
note  of  paper  for  each 
piece  of  gold  that  he  did 
bring  with  him. 

8  And  the  weight  of 
gold  that  was  exchanged 
in  those  days,  it  was 
very  heavy,  so  that  it 
did  take  seven  hundred 
seventy  and  seven  thou- 
sands of  elephants  for  to 
move  it. 

9  T[And  the  number 
of  the  notes  of  paper 
was  heyond  all  count- 
ing. Wherefore  there 
was  a  dearth  of  paper  in 
the  land  and  the  price 
of  it  became  an  high 
one. 

10  And      they     that 


[CH.  VI. 

were  dealers  in  books 
demanded  five  shekels  of 
silver  for  their  wares; 
and  before,  they  did  ask 
only  four  shekels  of  sil- 
ver and  six  pieces  of 
copper. 

11  Nevertheless,  there 
yet  remained  some  in 
the  land  that  bought 
them  books  for  to  read : 
and  the  rest  of  the  peo- 
ple, recking  not  the 
waste  of  paper,  did  take 
up  their  pens,  and  they 
did  write.  And  Arte- 
mas,  the  scribe,  he  was 
one  of  these. 

12  ^And  because  it 
was  not  the  custom  in 
the  land  of  En  to  use 
notes  of  paper,  save 
amongst  them  that  were 
rich,  therefore  were  the 
people  divided  among 
themselves  concerning 
it,  whether  it  were  for 
an  advantage. 

13  And  those  that 
were  careless  in  their 
manner  of  living,  they 
liked  it  not.  But  the 
others,  they  were  con- 
tent, for  the  notes  of 
paper      were      without 


CH.  VI.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


85 


weight,  and  the  space 
that  they  did  occupy,  it 
was  small. 

14  And  when  a  man, 
thinking  it  a  bill  that 
was  not  paid,  did  throw 
away  a  note  of  paper 
that  was  worth  twenty 
shekels  of  silver,  then 
would  he  curse  aloud, 
using  new  words,  and 
he  would  affright  the 
passers-by  with  the  vio- 
lence of  his  lamenta- 
tions. 

15  And  because  the 
notes  of  paper  were  thin 
and  did  stick  themselves 
together,  therefore  did 
a  debtor,  ieing  un- 
aware, sometimes  give 
the  worth  of  two  pieces 
of  gold  unto  him  to 
whom  he  owed  but  one. 

16  And  this  man  also 
would  sorrow  cursefuUy 
and  he  would  tear  his 
hair.  And  Willi,  that 
was  the  cause  of  it,  he 
would  consign  him  unto 
the  nethermost  part  of 
Hell. 

17  Tl  And  the  notes  of 
paper  were  not  alike, 
being  writ  in  two  col- 


ours; and  the  one  col- 
our, it  was  black,  and 
the  other  colour,  it  wa^ 
red. 

18  And  one  of  those 
that  were  writ  in  black 
was  as  much  as  two  that 
were  writ  in  red ;  where- 
fore, and  because  they 
were  passing  rare,  they 
found  great  favour  in 
the  eyes  of  the  people. 

19  T[Now  it  came  to 
pass  that  the  rulers  did 
have  a  need  of  money 
for  to  buy  them  imple- 
ments of  war.  And  they 
sent  word  unto  the  peo- 
ple concerning  it. 

20  And  immediately 
there  arrived  at  the  re- 
ceipt of  custom  a  great 
multitude  of  men,  each 
man  bearing  upon  his 
back  a  weight  of  money, 
according  to  his  means. 
And  they  jostled,  the 
one  against  the  other,  in 
their  haste  to  te  first. 

21  And  they  said  un- 
to the  rulers  of  the  land. 
All  that  which  we  have 
brought  with  us,  that  do 
we  lend  unto  you.  Go 
ye   out,   therefore,   and 


36 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  VI. 


buy  ye  the  things  that 
are  necessary.  Neither 
shall  ye  stint  yourselves 
in  the  matter,  but  rest 
assured  that  whatsoever 
more  ye  shall  require,  it 
shall  be  forthcoming. 

22  And  the  notes  of 
paper  that  they  did 
bring  unto  the  rulers  of 
the  land  were  in  num- 
ber as  the  blades  of 
grass  in  a  meadow  that 
extendeth  out  of  sight. 
Yea,  even  more  than  the 
words  of  the  rulers  was 
the  number  thereof,  not- 
withstanding that  the 
jaws  of  these  were  for 
ever  agitated. 

23  So  the  rulers  of 
the  land  did  set  out  for 
to  buy  them  munitions 
of  war  in  a  great  quan- 


tity ;  even  all  that  which 
they  did  require  did 
they  set  out  for  to  buy. 

24  And  all  the  mer- 
chants of  the  world 
came  in  unto  them  and 
displayed  their  wares 
before  them;  and  they 
were  eager  for  to  make 
the  bargain  and  to  traf- 
fick  with  the  rulers. 

25  For  the  power  of 
money  was  great  in  that 
time,  and  the  things  that 
it  could  not  do,  they 
were  not. 

26  ^And  because  the 
people  brought  unto  the 
rulers  money  that  was 
of  a  value  beyond  cal- 
culation, therefore  was 
the  might  of  En  felt 
throughout  all  the 
world. 


CH.  VII,] 


THE  BOOK  OF   AETEMAS 


37 


CHAPTER  VII. 

1  The  country  is  bereft  of 
its  young  men.  2  The  rul- 
ers send  unto  the  women. 
3  Who  make  them  muni- 
tions of  war.  4  And  sell 
merchandise  in  the  ia- 
eaars.  8  And  watch  over 
the  people.  11  They  re- 
ceive much  money.  14 
Concerning  a  certain  man 
that  imbibed  too  freely.  23 
The  women  work  on  the 
land.    34  They  rebel. 

"^OW  it  came  to  pass 
-^^  that  all  the  young 
men  went  forth  for  to 
fight,  and  there  re- 
mained only  those  that 
were  old  or  infirm  and 
some  that  had  sneaked 
them  through. 

2  ^  And  because  there 
was  much  work  to  be 
done,  therefore  did  the 
rulers  of  the  land  send 
word  unto  the  women, 
saying,  Come  ye  unto 
the  workshops  of  the 
cities  and  there  do  all 
tJiose  things  that  the 
young  men  were  wont 
to  do.     And  they  came 


as  with  one  accord. 
3  ^  And  they  did  make 
them  munitions  of  war 
of  many  kinds,  and  did 
become  skilled  artificers, 
both  in  metal  and  in 
wood;  and  they  rested 
not  from  their  labours, 
save  only  on  the  days 
appointed. 

4  ^And  there  were 
others  that  did  sell  mer- 
chandise in  the  bazaars. 
And  so  it  fell  out  that 
when  a  man  went  forth 
for  to  buy  him  under- 
vestments,  the  damsel 
that  was  in  the  bazaar 
would  say  unto  him, 
"What  is  thy  need,  0  son 
of  man  ? 

5  And  he  was  ashamed 
to  tell  her  all  that  which 
was  in  his  heart,  and  he 
knew  not  what  to  say; 
wherefore  was  he  halt- 
ing in  his  speech  and  his 
countenance  did  take  on 
the  colour  of  blood. 

6  But  the  maiden  that 
did  tend  unto  his  wants, 
she  was  in  no  wise  dis- 


38 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.   VII. 


quieted,  and  she  did  be- 
seech him  to  impart  un- 
to her  the  name  of  the 
thing. 

7  And,  afterwards,  she 
did  hold  up  the  leg  of 
the  garment  for  ap- 
praisement and  did  raise 
her  voice  in  praise  of  it. 
And  the  young  man  was 
brought  into  a  proper 
state  upon  the  instant, 
so  that  he  did  buy  what- 
soever she  did  shew  un- 
to him.  And  his  going 
out  from  that  place  was 
quicker  than  his  coming 
in. 

8  Tf  And  there  were 
women  appointed  for  to 
see  that  the  people  did 
no  wrong  thing.  And 
certain  of  these  did  be- 
take them  on  the  dark 
nights  unto  the  quiet 
places  at  a  time  when 
the  mating  season  was 
nigh. 

9  And  they  did  flash 
them  a  light  on  those 
that  were  unready;  but 
those  that  did  know 
about  it,  them  did  they 
find  better  circum- 
stanced. 


10  And  the  people 
liked  it  not,  for  there 
was  no  place  that  was 
safe  unto  them,  and  the 
course  of  true  love  was 
an  hard  one  and  much 
beset  with  spies. 

11  ^And  because  the 
women  were  given  high 
places  in  the  land,  there- 
fore was  their  recom- 
pense high  also,  and  the 
money  that  they  did 
earn,  it  was  a  large  sum. 

12  And  so  it  came  to 
pass  that  certain  men 
that  were  mean  of  spirit 
forsook  their  labours 
and  became  idle.  And 
when  men  spake  unto 
them  concerning  it  and 
upbraided  them,  they 
answered  them,  saying, 
"Wherefore  should  we  go 
about  it?  And  why 
should  we  toil  ?  Are  not 
our  wives  diligent,  and 
do  they  not  provide  for 
us  according  to  their 
means  ? 

13  And  they  that 
heard  them  were  filled 
with  a  great  aversion, 
and  they  were  glad  in 
their  hearts  that  in  all 


CH.  VII.] 


THE   BOOK   OF   ARTEMAS 


39 


the  land  of  En  there 
were  few  men  like  unto 
these. 

14  ^  Now  there  was  a 
certain  man  and  he  did 
imbibe  of  the  juice  of 
the  grape  in  a  manner 
that  was  not  wise. 

15  And  every  night 
when  he  returned  unto 
his  habitation  he  was 
full  up  with  strong 
drink;  and  because  he 
sought  his  bedchamber 
in  vai7i,  therefore  would 
he  make  him  a  couch  up- 
on the  mat  ihat  was 
nigh  unto  the  gate. 

16  And  it  was  a  sore 
trial  unto  his  wife,  for 
she  knew  not  what  to  do. 
And  she  did  cast  about 
in  her  mind,  seeking  to 
devise  some  means 
whereby  to  make  him 
whole. 

17  And  because  she 
was  a  woman  wise  be- 
yond the  most,  being  al- 
so strong  and  lusty, 
therefore  did  she  con- 
trive a  plan ;  and  she  be- 
came one  of  them  that 
looked  after  the  people. 

18  And      the      same 


night  when  her  husband 
returned  unto  her,  walk- 
ing in  soulful  medita- 
tion because  he  was 
drunk,  then  did  she  go 
forth  for  to  greet  him; 
and  she  came  upon  him 
in  the  way. 

19  And  she  called  un- 
to her  two  women, 
mighty  of  stature,  that 
were  lying  in  ambush, 
near  by.  And  the  mus- 
cles of  their  arms  were 
of  a  size  and  their 
strength  was  very  great. 
And  they  took  him. 

20  And  it  came  to 
pass  upon  the  morrow 
that  he  was  brought  he- 
fore  the  judge.  And 
when  he  had  heard  all 
that  the  women  had  to 
say,  he  said  unto  him, 
Assuredly  thou  art  a 
guilty  man. 

21  For  thine  indiscre- 
tion thou  shalt  be 
mulcted  in  forty  shekels 
of  silver;  and  if  thou 
payest  not  upon  the 
nail,  then  shalt  thou  be 
cast  into  prison,  there  to 
remain  dwring  fourteen 
days. 


40 


THE  BOOK  OF  ABTEMAS 


22  And  because  he 
was  a  wise  man  when 
the  morning  was  come, 
therefore  he  paid  up; 
and  he  returned  unto 
his  home  much  chas- 
tened. And  from  that 
day  forth  he  put  all 
strong  drink  away  from 
him,  wherefore  he  was 
called  Tam-ed,  which 
signijfieth,  One  that 
hath  been  through  it. 

23  ^  Now  when  the 
harvest  was  ripe,  and 
there  were  no  labourers 
in  the  fields  for  to 
gather  it  in,  the  hus- 
bandmen that  were  on 
the  land  became  cast 
down  and  they  did  make 
them  an  outcry. 

24  And  certain  wom- 
en approached  unto 
them,  and  said,  Where- 
fore are  ye  cast  down, 
ye  wealthy  men  of  the 
fields? 

25  Behold,  we  and 
our  sisters  will  gather  in 
the  standing  corn,  and 
in  the  winter  we  will 
prepare  the  ground  for 
the  crops  that  are  to  he. 

26  And  because  it  is 


[CH.  vn. 

not  in  them  to  be  other- 
wise, therefore  the  hus- 
bandmen changed  not 
their  countenances  that 
were  woeful;  but  they 
said  unto  the  women, 

27  Forget  ye  not  that 
ye  are  what  ye  are. 
Nevertheless,  because  ye 
say  it,  therefore  it  shall 
be  so.  First  shall  ye 
reap  the  harvest,  and 
afterwards  shall  ye  do 
the  other  things  whereof 
ye  speak. 

28  And  so  the  women 
laboured  all  day  in  the 
fields.  And  they  did 
take  them  cooling 
drinks  amongst  the  com 
when  the  sun  was  high, 
and  they  did  eat  cream 
that  was  rich  unto  yel- 
lowness, and  also  pasties 
in  abundance.  Never- 
theless, when  night  was 
come  they  did  sleep; 
neither  did  the  things 
that  they  had  eaten  lie 
heavy  upon  their  stom- 
achs. 

29  And  so  the  harvest 
was  gathered  in  and 
there  was  much  rejoic- 
ing because  of  it.    But 


CH.  VII.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


41 


amongst  the  husband- 
men there  was  only 
foreboding,  for  such  do 
never  rejoice. 

30  And  when  the 
cold  of  the  year  was 
come,  the  husbandmen 
spake  unto  the  women, 
saying,  Now  is  the  time 
when  ye  shall  go  forth 
to  prepare  the  ground 
for  the  crops  that  are 
to  he. 

31  And  so  the  women 
went  forth.  And  when 
they  had  come  unto  the 
place  appointed,  behold, 
there  was  a  great  heap 
before  them,  and  it  was 
manure.  And  the  hus- 
bandmen drew  nigh  and 
they  said  unto  the  wom- 
en, 

32  All  this  shall  ye 
spread  upon  the  fields, 
and  more  also.  And  it 
shall  come  to  pass,  after 
that  ye  have  digged  it 
in,  that  the  earth  shall 
be  renewed;  and  the 
crops  that  ye  shall  sow, 
these  shall  flourish  ex- 
ceedingly. And  the 
husbandmen  went  their 
way. 


33  Now  the  heap  that 
was  manure,  It  was  an 
abomination ;  and  the 
stink  thereof  was  so 
great  that  the  women 
did  cover  over  their  nos- 
trils with  cambric  and 
with  pieces  of  fine  lace. 

34  ^And  they  fol- 
lowed after  the  hus- 
bandmen with  one  ac- 
cord, and  spake  unto 
them,  saying,  "We  did 
gather  in  your  corn, 
even  the  oats  and  the 
barley  did  we  reap  for 
you:  and  the  hay,  we 
did  make  it  into  stacks. 

35  And  the  husband- 
men answered  them, 
saying,  Verily  all  these 
things  whereof  ye  speak, 
them  did  ye  do. 

36  And  the  women 
said  unto  them,  The 
scent  of  the  harvest  was 
sweet  unto  our  nostrils ; 
but  this  heap  that  is 
manure,  it  is  a  stinking 
thing,  and  we  will  have 
none  of  it. 

37  So  they  turned 
them  about  and  hied 
them  unto  the  cities  for 
to  become  scribes.    And 


42 


THE  BOOK  OF  AETEMAS 


[CH.  VII. 


they  did  spend  the 
wages  of  their  first 
week's  hire  upon  a 
measure  of  choice  per- 


fume. Nevertheless,  the 
stink  of  the  heap  that 
was  manure  abode  with 
them  during  many  days. 


CH.   VIII.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


43 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

1  The  rulers  make  them  new 
laws.  2  And  close  the  ba- 
zaars. 5  They  give  more 
light.  9  They  tax  the 
profits  that  were  made  be- 
cause of  the  war.  13 
Bribery  flourisheth.  15 
The  petrol  is  conserved. 
18  They  that  seek  after 
pleasure  are  taxed.  20 
The  taxes  are  paid  gladly. 
23  Concerning  commis- 
sions. 29  AndNorthcliffe. 

qp'AKE  heed,  all  ye 
•*•  that  read,  and  pay 
attention,  for  these  are 
the  things  that  the  rul- 
ers of  the  land  of  En 
did  lay  upon  the  people 
at  a  time  when  there 
was  war. 

2  KNow  they  did 
make  them  a  law  and 
did  enjoin  upon  all  the 
dealers  in  merchandise 
that  they  should  cease 
from  trafficking  in  the 
market  places  in  the 
youth  of  the  night ;  yea, 
at  eight  hours  after 
midday  were  they  con- 
strained  to   stop    from 


selling  their  wares  and 
merchandise. 

3  And  the  reason 
thereof  was  uncertain, 
some  saying  it  was  for  a 
means  of  saving  fuel, 
whilst  others  did  say  it 
was  because  those  that 
served  in  the  bazaars 
were  few  and  needed 
them  rest. 

4  But  there  were 
many  that  did  say  it 
was  but  the  spirit  of  in- 
terference that  was  rife 
in  the  land;  and  they 
were  filled  with  suspi- 
cion, thinking  that  the 
early  closers  were  grind- 
ing them  their  axe. 

5  ^And  in  the  sum- 
mer season  the  rulers 
did  give  unto  the  people 
more  light.  And  it  was 
the  light  of  day  that 
they  bestowed,  but  up- 
on the  doings  of  the 
war  they  shed  no  more 
light. 

6  Now  the  giving  of 
more  light  was  one  of 
the  things  that  the  rul- 


44 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.   VIII. 


ers  did  wisely,  where- 
fore the  people  did 
praise  them;  and  they 
were  amazed,  for  it  was 
not  the  custom  amongst 
the  men  of  En  to  praise 
the  rulers  of  the  land. 

7  Neither  was  there 
often  cause  therefor,  for 
a  wise  ruler  is  precious 
heyond  price,  howbeit 
many  a  fool  is  raised 
unto  an  high  place ; 

8  For  the  fool  speak- 
eth  sometimes  wisdom, 
and  it  is  recorded.  But 
the  foolishness  of  fools 
do  men  forget. 

9  ^And  certain  men 
did  set  them  about  for 
to  find  a  means  whereby 
they  might  make  a  good 
thing  out  of  the  war. 

10  And  when  word 
was  brought  unto  the 
rulers  concerning  what 
they  were  doing,  they 
did  make  them  a  law. 
And  they  did  take  un- 
to themselves  a  certain 
share  from  the  profits 
that  these  men  did 
gather  in. 

11  And  those  that 
were   at   one   with   the 


patriots  complained 
not ;  and  those  that  were 
making  them  enough, 
neither  did  these  com- 
plain. 

12  And  they  that  did 
do  things  for  the  rulers 
out  of  the  generosity 
of  their  hearts,  even 
these  went  not  empty 
away. 

13  ^And  there  were 
certain  men  amongst 
the  servants  of  the  rul- 
ers that  did  ask  for 
sweet  oil,  and  they  did 
say  unto  the  traders, 
Grease  thou  the  palms 
of  our  hands  that  we 
may  bargain  with  thee 
to  thy  advantage. 

14  And  those  that 
were  found  out  were 
cast  into  prison,  and 
their  names  did  stink 
most  vilely  throughout 
the  length  and  breadth 
of  the  land. 

15  f  And  because  it 
was  a  prudent  thing  to 
do,  the  rulers  gave  unto 
them  that  had  chariots 
only  so  much  of  what 
men  called  petrol  as  was 
left    over.      And     the 


CH.  VIII.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ABTEMAS 


45 


hosts  of  En  did  receive 
their  portion  before  all 
others. 

16  Therefore  those 
that  were  wealthy 
amongst  the  people  used 
not  their  chariots  save 
when  there  was  need; 
and  they  that  were  used 
to  joy  ride,  they  did  do 
so  no  more. 

17  For  in  all  matters 
were  the  people  ready  to 
make  them  sacrifices 
unto  the  needs  of  the 
war,  and  they  did  do  all 
those  things  that  were 
required  of  them  for  to 
bring  nearer  the  end  of 
it. 

18  f  And  a  tax  was 
made  upon  all  those 
that  did  go  unto  the 
theatre;  yea,  even  upon 
them  that  did  view  the 
pictures  and  upon  them 
that  did  watch  men 
playing  with  a  ball,  was 
the  tax  imposed. 

19  And  because  it 
was  not  much,  and  was, 
moreover,  a  righteous 
tax,  they  did  pay  it 
gladly;  and  the  number 
of    them    that    did    go 


unto  such  places,  it  was 
not  less  than  before. 

20  ^And  there  were 
other  taxes  also  and 
they  were  exceeding 
heavy,  so  that  all  the 
money  that  was  paid  by 
the  people  unto  the  tax 
gatherers  was  great  be- 
yond anything  that  men 
had  thought  possible. 

21  Nevertheless  there 
was  no  murmuring  in 
the  land,  and  the  people 
did  push,  the  one 
against  the  other,  to  he 
first  at  the  receipt  of 
custom,  every  man  tvith 
his  money  in  his  hand. 

22  And  he  that  was 
the  chief  amongst  all 
the  tax  gatherers  was 
amazed.  And  he  spake 
unto  several  concerning 
it,  saying,  Are  not  these 
that  do  shower  their 
gold  upon  me  the  same 
that  before  did  curse  my 
name?  When  I  asked 
for  a  mite,  they  reviled 
me  shamefully ;  yet, 
now  I  ask  for  much,  be- 
hold, they  bring  it  flow- 
ing over.  For  he  under- 
stood not  that  this  was 


46 


THE  BOOK  OF   ARTEMAS 


the  spirit  of  the  nation. 

23  IJNow  when  there 
was  any  matter  that 
was  beyond  the  rulers  so 
that  they  knew  not  what 
to  do,  they  would  ap- 
point them  a  commis- 
sion for  to  inquire  con- 
cerning it. 

24  And  a  commission 
was  an  assembly  of  wise 
men  that  were  some- 
times foolish;  and  they 
would  gather  themselves 
together,  and  they 
would  question  all  and 
sundry,  and  they  would 
talk. 

25  But  lest  they 
should  do  some  thing  in 
their  carryings  on,  the 
rulers  would  give  them 
instruction  and  would 
speak  unto  them,  say- 
ing, 

26  Go  ye  into  a  room 
apart  and  gather  round. 
And  send  the  young 
men  into  the  highways 
and  into  the  byways 
that  they  may  bring 
unto  you  all  them  that 
know  aught  concerning 
the  matter.  And  what- 
soever   they    may    say 


[CH.  VIII. 

unto  you,  that  shall  ye 
hear. 

27  Afterwards,  ye 
shall  make  us  a  report, 
for  that  doeth  injury 
unto  no  man.  But  woe 
be  unto  you  if  ye  shall 
do  anything  that  ex- 
ceedeth  our  command- 
ment; verily  shall  our 
wrath 'burn  thee  up,  and 
thy  bones  shall  fall 
away  into  dust. 

28  By  this  means  did 
the  rulers  put  away  for 
a  long  time  those  things 
that  were  vexatious  unto 
them,  having  faith  in 
the  memory  of  the  peo- 
ple that  it  was  short. 
Therefore  was  a  com- 
mission unto  the  rulers 
as  a  bag  of  sand  unto 
him  that  fighteth,  for  it 
was  a  shield.  And  the 
day  was  not  known 
whereon  the  rulers  ap- 
pointed them  not  a  com- 
mission. 

29  ^  But  there  was  a 
certain  man  and  his 
name  was  Northcliffe. 
And  the  people  were  di- 
vided into  two  camps 
concerning    him,    some 


CH.  VIII.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


47 


saying  that  he  was  a 
raiser  of  scares,  whilst 
others  did  say  that  he 
knew  things.  And  all 
were  agreed  that  he  was 
a  thorn  in  the  side  of 
the  rulers. 

30  And  when  a  com- 
mission did  bring  its  re- 
port unto  the  rulers, 
then  did  these  retire 
unto  the  privacy  of 
their  bedchambers. 
And  the  report  they  did 
take  with  them  for  to 
be  a  pillow  unto  their 
heads. 


31  And  Northcliffe 
would  raise  his  voice  on 
high  and  he  would  say 
many  b^^ter  words. 
And  he  would  arouse 
them  and  would  make 
them  to  do  things. 

32  And  though  many 
were  against  him  ie- 
cause  of  it,  the  good 
that  he  did  do  was  man- 
ifest. And  because  he 
left  not  the  rulers  to 
sleep,  therefore  did  men 
call  him  Helsabout, 
which  meaneth  The 
Awakener. 


48 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  IX. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

I  Darkness  in  the  cities.  5 
The  young  things  rejoice. 
7  And  love  flourisheth.  10 
Many  errors  are  commit- 
ted. 14  Concerning  what 
happened  unto  a  certain 
young  man.  27  The  rea- 
son thereof.  30  One  par- 
doneth  the  little  boys. 

'M'OW  the  rulers  sent 
^^  them  word  unto  all 
the  cities,  saying,  Let 
there  be  no  light;  and 
there  was  no  light. 

2  And  every  man  did 
hide  his  candle  under  a 
bushel,  else  did  he  pay 
for  his  rashness  in  many 
shekels  of  silver.  Yea, 
there  was  even  darkness 
upon  the  highways  and 
in  those  places  where 
the  people  did  pass  to 
and  fro.  And  the  dark- 
ness did  breed  confu- 
sion. 

3  Now  they  that  lived 
in  Lon  were  in  two 
minds  concerning  it. 
And  some  that  did  sell 
merchandise  in  the  ba- 


zaars, they  did  make 
them  a  noise,  being  per- 
turbed because  of  their 
pockets.  And  there 
were  others  that  did  ut- 
ter loud  manifestations 
of  joy.  And  the  old 
women  that  were  there, 
these  ventured  not  forth 
after  the  sun  was  set. 

4  And  they  that  were 
dealers  in  merchandise 
did  make  loud  lamenta- 
tions and  did  put  on 
sackcloth  and  ashes, 
saying.  Wherefore 
should  we  sit  in  dark- 
ness ?  And  why  cry  our 
wares  in  the  shadow? 
And  because  men  knew 
them,  therefore  they 
heeded  them  not. 

5  ^  But  amongst  the 
young  things  of  the  city 
there  was  great  rejoic- 
ing, for  the  mandate,  it 
was  welcome  unto  them. 

6  And  they  said,  the 
one  unto  the  other,  Be- 
hold, it  is  dark.  Let  us, 
therefore,  advantage 
ourselves  somewhat. 


CH.   IX.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


49 


7  f  And  they  did  hie 
them  in  pairs  unto  the 
quiet  places ;  verily, 
every  male  did  take 
with  him  a  female  as  his 
companion,  and  they 
did  talk  of  love. 

8  And  because  the 
Bishop  of  that  city  was 
against  love,  and  be- 
cause there  were  many 
sojourning  there  that 
did  pry,  therefore  did 
the  swains  speak  low, 
fearing  lest  the  eaves- 
droppers should  come 
upon  them. 

9  And  there  were 
many  that  did  plight 
their  troths,  because  it 
was  their  opportunity; 
and  many  promises 
were  given  in  vain. 

10  f  And  because  it 
was  dark,  women  of 
strange  countenance  did 
get  them  off  with  men, 
for  a  cheek  that  was  fair 
as  the  petals  of  the  hys- 
sop was  of  no  avail  in 
the  night  time. 

11  Even  so,  there  was 
many  a  woman  that  did 
lose  her  man  ere  the 
passing     of     the     first 


lamp.  And  he  that  was 
once  bit,  on  the  next  oc- 
casion he  did  carry  a 
torch  in  his  hand  for  to 
see  what  it  was. 

12  And  if  a  man  did 
bump  him  into  his  own 
wife,  he  would  say  po- 
lite things,  for  he  did 
not  know  her ; 

13  And  because  he 
did  say  polite  things, 
there  "e,  neither  would 
she  know  him.  And 
strange  things  did  hap- 
pen because  of  it. 

14  ^Now  it  came  to 
pass  that  a  certain  man 
was  returning  unto  his 
habitation  at  an  hour 
when  the  night  was  far 
gone. 

15  And  it  was  the 
custom  in  that  city  to 
travel  in  a  carriage  that 
did  go  in  part  beneath 
the  ground;  and  the 
reason  thereof  was  be- 
cause it  was  quick. 

16  And,  behold,  as  he 
proceeded  on  his  way 
and  was  come  nigh  unto 
the  place  of  his  abode, 
suddenly  a  great  dark- 
ness   overcame    him    so 


50 


THE  BOOK  OF   ARTEMAS 


that  he  hecame  as  one 
that  is  blind. 

17  And  all  the  people 
that  were  with  him  in 
the  carriage  were  dis- 
mayed and  they  did  rise 
upon  their  feet,  and  did 
mingle,  the  one  with  the 
other. 

18  And  he  that  had 
authority  in  that  car- 
riage spake  unto  them 
and  commanded  them 
that  they  should  sit 
down.  And  they  sat 
them  down. 

19  And  it  came  to 
pass  that,  after  the 
young  man  had  sat  him 
down,  behold,  his  right 
hand  was  taken  from 
him  and  it  was  squeezed. 

20  And  even  as  he 
pondered  on  this 
strange  thing  that  was 
happening  unto  him,  be- 
hold, he  was  bereft  of 
his  left  hand  also,  and  it 
was  squeezed. 

21  And  he  was  taken 
unawares  and  knew  not 
what  to  do,  for  he  was  a 
young  man  and  right- 
eous, and  he  was  mar- 
ried unto  a  wife. 


[CH.  IX. 

22  Therefore,  he  sat 
him  still  and  did  wait 
for  whatsoever  might 
come  unto  him.  And, 
lo,  presently  there  was  a 
kiss  given  unto  him 
upon  the  left  cheek; 
and,  afterwards,  was 
there  a  kiss  upon  his 
right  cheek  also. 

23  Yea,  both  upon 
the  right  cheek  and 
upon  the  left  cheek  did 
he  get  him  the  kisses, 
and  it  was  for  a  long 
time. 

24  And  the  kisses 
that  did  fall  upon  his 
left  cheek  were  a  warm- 
ing lot  and  pleasurable; 
and  the  others,  they 
were  cold.  Therefore 
did  he  turn  him  about 
for  to  lean  towards  the 
side  that  was  hot. 

25  And,  behold,  his 
cheeks  were  seized  upon 
the  instant  between  two 
hands  that  were  soft; 
and  the  one  that  was 
upon  his  left  side  did 
kiss  him  with  earnest- 
ness upon  the  mouth  so 
that  he  trembled  at  the 
touch.    And  because  he 


CH.  IX.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


51 


was  become  enamoured 
of  the  pastime,  therefore 
did  he  return  the  kiss 
for  a  long  spell. 

26  And  even  while  it 
yet  happened,  the  light 
was  returned  unto  the 
carriage,  and  he  did  see. 

27  T[And,  behold, 
upon  his  right  hand  did 
sit  a  man  that  was  lately- 
come  back  from  the 
wars;  and  she  that  was 
upon  his  left  hand  was 
a  damsel  very  comely  to 
look  upon  and  blushing 
red. 

28  And  because  it 
was  a  mistake,  there- 
fore was  he  not  kissed 
again  either  upon  the 
right  cheek,  or  upon  the 
left  cheek,  or  yet  upon 
the  mouth. 

29  And  when  he  re- 
turned him  unto  his 
house,  he  did  get  him 
silently  unto  his  bed- 
chamber. Neither  told 
he  his  wife  anything 
about  it,  fearing  lest  she 
would  not  understand. 

30  ^  And  concerning 
another  man,  it  is  writ- 


ten that  he  did  tie  a 
piece  of  white  cloth  unto 
the  gate  of  his  house  so 
that  he  might  know  its 
whereabouts  when  the 
moon  was  not  high. 

31  And  the  small 
boys  of  the  neighbour- 
hood did  come  and  they 
took  away  the  piece  of 
white  cloth  that  was 
upon  the  gate  and  they 
did  tie  it  unto  the  portal 
of  an  house  wherein 
there  lived  a  certain 
woman,  of  pleasing 
mien  and  fair  to  look 
upon;  and  her  husband 
was  gone  to  the  wars. 

32  And  when  the 
young  man  returned 
unto  his  habitation,  be- 
hold, the  piece  of  cloth 
that  he  did  leave,  it  was 
not  there;  and  he  was 
deceived  so  that  he  en- 
tered in  unto  the  wrong 
house. 

33  Nevertheless,  the 
young  man  did  forgive 
the  boys  of  the  neigh- 
bourhood for  the  thing 
that  they  had  done  unto 
him. 


52 


THE  BOOK   OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  X. 


CHAPTER  X. 

1  The  de ginning  of  Flag 
Days.  7  The  nature  there- 
of. 10  The  plight  of  the 
males.  14  Their  efforts  to 
escape.  17  The  generos- 
ity of  the  people.  19  The 
disadvantage  of  a  new  al- 
liance. 

'jM'O'W  it  came  to  pass 
•'■^  that  those  who  were 
in  the  land  of  En  made 
them  a  custom,  and  they 
did  sanctify  certain 
days  of  the  year  unto 
charity. 

2  And  the  days  that 
were  sanctified  they  did 
call  Flag  Days. 

3  Now  these  are  cer- 
tain of  the  Flag  Days 
that  were  set  aside  unto 
charity  m  the  land  of 
En  in  the  days  of  the 
Great  War. 

4  There  was  Our 
Day,  and  Star  and  Gar- 
ter Day,  and  Roll  of 
Honour  Day,  and  Red 
Cross  Day,  and  Blue 
Cross  Day. 

5  And      the^o      was 


France's  Day,  and  Rus- 
sia's Day,  and  Serbia's 
Day,  and  Italy's  Day, 
and  Montenegro's  Day, 
and  Roumania  's  Day, 
and  Portugal's  Day. 

6  And  there  were 
other  Flag  Days  in 
great  number  so  that  I, 
even  I,  Artemas,  the 
scribe,  remember  not 
one  half. 

7  ^  And  on  a  day  that 
was  a  Flag  Day  the 
young  maidens  of  the 
cities  would  gather 
themselves  together  ere 
the  morning  was 
weaned,  and  they  would 
set  out. 

8  And  they  would  hie 
them  unto  the  populous 
places  of  the  cities  and 
they  would  place  them- 
selves in  ambush  behind 
the  corners  of  the 
streets;  yea,  each  one 
would  take  unto  herself 
a  certain  corner  as  her 
own,  and  she  would  lie 
low. 

9  And  when  any  man 


CH.  X.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ABTEMAS 


53 


approached  nigh  unto 
the  place  where  she  was 
hid,  then  would  she 
spring  out  on  a,  sudden 
and  she  would  tackle 
him. 

10  f  And  she  would 
pin  a  flag  unto  his  gar- 
ment, even  unto  the 
lapel  of  his  coat  would 
she  pin  her  flag;  and 
whatsoever  money  he 
did  have  for  to  buy  him 
bread,  that  would  she 
take  from  his  pouch  for 
to  pay  her,  wherefore  he 
needs  did  fast. 

11  And  there  was  no 
way  of  escape  open  unto 
him,  for  the  young  girls 
of  that  time  were  a  slim 
lot  and  they  knew  the 
manner  of  working  it. 

12  And  so  it  came  to 
pass  that,  when  the 
night  was  come,  the 
damsels  that  had  sold 
them  flags  were  bowed 
down  beneath  a  great 
weight  of  gold.  And 
the  men  that  had  paid, 
these  were  sent  empty 
away. 

13  And  they  re- 
turned unto  their  habi- 


tations, each  man  being 
wonderfully  adorned ; 
yea,  from  the  crowns  of 
their  heads  unto  the 
turn-up  of  their  nether 
garments  were  they  gay 
with  coloured  flags. 

14  ^  Now  there  were 
certain  men  that,  seek- 
ing to  throw  dust  in  the 
eyes  of  the  sellers  of 
flags,  did  build  them 
dungeons  underneath 
the  ground,  saying,  with 
a  sly  look.  It  will  be  a 
safe  place  if,  perchance, 
a  Zeppelin  cometh  nigh. 

15  Nevertheless,  on  a 
night  when  the  Zeppe- 
lins did  hover  above 
them,  then  were  they  on 
the  roofs  of  their  habi- 
tations with  glasses  that 
did  magnify ; 

16  But  on  the  days 
that  were  Flag  Days, 
then  did  they  betake 
themselves  stealthily 
away  and  they  did  hide 
in  the  far  corner  of  the 
Zeppelin  dungeon  that 
was  deepest  down. 

17  ^  And  because 
much  good  flowed  from 
the  Flag  Days,  and  be- 


54 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  X. 


cause  the  number  of 
mites  that  was  gathered 
in  was  very  great,  there- 
fore did  the  people 
stick  them,  each  man 
giving  according  to  his 
means. 

18  Yea,  even  those 
that  did  retire  unto 
their  Zeppelin  cellars 
did  give  to  an  extent, 
for  the  young  girls  fol- 
lowed them  thither- 
wards, so  that  there  was 
no  means  of  escape  left 
unto  them;  verily,  they 
were  like  unto  a  spider 
that  is  caught  in  the 
meshes  of  its  own  web. 

19  II  Wherefore  it 
came  to  pass  that  when 
another  nation  did  join 
with  the  people  of  En, 
and  did  fight  with  them 
against  the  men  of  Hu, 
there  were  some  in  the 
land    that    did    foresee 


things,  and  their  hearts 
misgave  them. 

20  And  when  one 
spake  chidingly  unto 
them,  saying.  Why  do 
ye  not  rejoice,  O  men  of 
little  satisfaction?  Be- 
hold, there  is  yet  an- 
other that  fighteth  with 
us.  Then  would  they 
make  answer  and  would 
say,  Assuredly  is  there 
another  ally  come  to 
join  us.  And  there  is 
also  another  Flag  Day 
that  bringeth  greater 
persecution  at  the  cor- 
ners of  the  streets.  And 
they  were  full  of  fore- 
boding concerning  it. 

21  But  the  Flag  Days 
found  favour  amongst 
the  women  of  the  land, 
for  then  was  man  deliv- 
ered into  their  hands 
and  they  needed  not  to 
spare  him. 


CH.  XI.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ABTEMAS 


55 


CHAPTER   XI. 

1  The  young  men  go  out  for 
to  fight.  2  Many  talce  un- 
to themselves  wives.  11 
Some  think  it  not  wise. 
19  Some  transgress  the 
law.  22  The  matrons  are 
rejoiced.  23  All  the  maid- 
ens would  wed  amongst 
the  officers.  27  Concern- 
ing the  damsels  that  were 
left  over. 

"M'OW  in  the  land  of 
^^  En  the  young  men 
did  hurry  them  away 
unto  the  war,  and 
amongst  the  maidens 
there  were  many  sad  at 
heart. 

2  1[And  when  the 
time  drew  nigh  unto  a 
young  man  that  he  must 
gird  up  his  loins  and  go, 
then  would  he  speak 
unto  the  damsel  of  his 
choice. 

3  And  he  would  say 
unto  her,  Thou  knowest 
that  there  yet  remaineth 
unto  me  only  so  many 
days;  let  us  therefore 
arrange  matters  quickly 
that  we  be  married. 


4  And  because  the 
time  was  short  and  it 
was  her  chance,  she 
would  answer  and  would 
say  unto  him,  Thou  art 
my  lord,  and  whatso- 
ever thou  commandest, 
it  shall  be  done.  Let  us 
therefore  hasten  about 
it  lest,  peradventure,  we 
meet  with  an  hindrance 
upon  the  way. 

5  For  the  women  of 
that  time  were  a  crafty 
lot  and  they  did  beguile 
their  men  with  soft 
words;  and  the  wiles  of 
Bathsheba,  that  did 
wash  herself,  were  as 
nothing  w  comparison 
to  these,  for  they  were 
full  of  artfulness. 

6  And  when  she  had 
told  her  mother  and 
them  that  were  about 
the  place,  she  would 
take  the  young  man  un- 
to the  priest  for  to  make 
them  a  day;  and  after 
it  was  in  order,  then 
would  they  go  unto  the 
ringmaker      and      she 


56 


THE  BOOK  OF  AKTEMAS 


[CH.  XI. 


would  try  on  whatso- 
ever came  unto  her 
hand.  Yea,  many  rings 
would  she  place  upon 
her  finger;  but  the  ring 
that  she  did  choose,  that 
did  she  not  try  on,  fear- 
ing lest  it  prove  un- 
lucky in  the  afterwards. 

7  Now  it  happened  in 
certain  cases  that  the 
damsel  needed  not  to 
furnish  her  with  gar- 
ments for  the  wedding, 
inasmuch  as  she  was 
prepared,  being  ready 
against  the  occasion. 

8  But  when  it  was 
not  so,  then  would  the 
damsel  set  about  it,  and 
she  would  make  things 
hum.  And  she  and 
those  that  were  related 
unto  her  and  her  hand- 
maidens also,  they 
would  haste  them  unto 
the  bazaars.  And  what- 
soever was  necessary 
unto  the  marriage,  that 
thing  would  they  buy; 
and  of  the  things  that 
were  not  necessary  unto 
the  marriage,  they 
would  also  buy  them 
some  of  these. 


9  And  when  the  last 
minute  was  ^ome,  then 
would  they  send  the  old 
man  for  to  buy  that 
which  was  forgotten, 
saying  unto  him.  Get 
thee  quickly,  thou  fool. 
And  he  would  get  him 
quickly. 

10  And  when  the 
hour  was  come  for  the 
young  man  to  take  the 
damsel  unto  him,  be- 
hold, she  was  there. 
And  throughout  all  the 
land  of  En  there  was  no 
case  known  of  a  dam- 
sel that  did  come  too 
late. 

11  ^  And  because 
there  was  a  great  num- 
ber of  them  that  did 
wed  in  this  wise,  there- 
fore was  there  much 
talk  concerning  it,  both 
in  the  public  places  and 
in  the  habitations  of  the 
people. 

12  And  some  did  say 
it  was  a  foolish  thing  to 
do.  And  they  did  speak 
darkly  concerning  the 
future,  what  it  did  hide, 
for  it  went  for  a  saying 
amongst    them    that    a 


CH.  XI.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  AETEMAS 


57 


marriage  that  is  hasty 
bringeth  early  regret. 

13  And  others  said, 
Let  the  young  men  wed. 
Verily,  many  go  forth 
unto  the  wars  but  the 
number  of  them  that  re- 
turn, it  is  not  so  great. 
Therefore  is  it  necessary 
for  them  that  are  of  an 
age  to  make  them  fam- 
ilies, else  in  what  man- 
ner shall  the  nation  en- 
dure. 

14  And  the  young 
things  heeded  not  these 
arguments,  for  they 
were  young  and  did 
love.  And  whosoever 
loveth  enough,  he  hath 
his  justification. 

15  But  woe  unto  that 
man  who  taketh  unto 
himself  a  wife  for  the 
sake  of  it;  a  million 
tears  will  not  suffice  for 
to  drown  her  in. 

16  But  he  that  mar- 
rieth  his  beloved  in 
haste,  seeking  happi- 
ness, that  man  assured- 
ly hath  a  dog's  chance; 
and  he  that  taketh  time 
about  the  business,  is 
not  his  risk  also  great  ? 


17  And  there  were 
some  that  did  marry  for 
love  and  there  were 
some  that  did  marry  for 
a  pension;  but  there 
were  some  that  did 
marry  because  it  was  a 
discreet  thing  to  do. 

18  And  the  number 
of  them  that  did  marry 
was  hey  and  anything 
that  men  could  remem- 
ber, so  that  the  priests 
did  gather  them  an  har- 
vest of  exceeding  rich- 
ness and  they  did  bless 
the  unions  with  many 
pious  words. 

19  j[  Now  certain  men 
did  take  unto  them- 
selves more  wives  than 
one,  which  was  a  wicked 
thing  to  do,  for  in  the 
land  of  En  it  was  not 
lawful  for  a  man  to 
marry  two  wives. 

20  And  this  was  pass- 
ing strange,  for  the  se- 
duction of  a  maiden  was 
a  thing  that  was  winked 
at.  Yea,  the  father  of  a 
child  begotten  guiltily, 
he  was  absolved  by  the 
payment  of  five  pieces 
of    silver    every    week. 


58 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  XI. 


But  the  man  whose  wife 
did  bear  him  a  son,  his 
pumshment  was  greater 
than  this. 

21  And  in  those  days 
was  man  judged  accord- 
ing to  a  rule,  and  an 
hurt  transgressing  not 
the  rule,  that  was  for- 
given unto  him.  And 
to  marry  two  wives, 
that  was  against  the 
rule;  but  to  keep  two 
score  of  concubines, 
that  was  a  lawful  thing 
to  do. 

22  ^And  because 
there  was  war,  there- 
fore did  many  mothers 
ptill  off  forlorn  hopes  at 
the  last  minute,  which 
rejoiced  them  greatly. 
For  there  was  much 
competition  amongst  the 
daughters  of  En,  and 
the  number  of  young 
men  did  not  suffice  for 
all. 

23  ^  And  every  maid- 
en did  seek  for  to  get 
her  an  officer,  for  these 
were  great  men  whom 
the  common  soldiers  did 
salute  in  the  public 
places,  so  that  to  walk 


with  such  an   one   was 
indeed  pleasurable. 

24  And  there  was 
much  cackling  in  all  the 
hen-roosts  of  the  land  of 
En,  and  amongst  those 
families  that  did  get 
them  an  officer  there 
were  loud  manifesta- 
tions of  joy. 

25  And  the  pride  of 
these  was  beyond  all 
telling,  and  they  would 
hold  up  their  heads  on 
high  and  they  would 
say  unto  them  that  did 
live  next  door,  Bow  ye 
down  before  us  and 
make  obeisance.  Know 
ye  not  that  Miriam,  our 
first-born,  hath  taken  a 
captain  to  husband  ? 

26  And  because  they 
did  know  it  and  because 
their  daughter  had  suc- 
ceeded only  as  high  as  a 
corporal  of  the  lance, 
they  would  bow  them- 
selves down  and  would 
speak  words  of  flattery, 
for  she  that  was  wife 
unto  a  captain  was  a 
power  in  the  confines  of 
the  cities. 

27  ^But    there    were 


CH.  XI.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


59 


many  maidens  that  no 
man  took  unto  him  for 
wife,  and  the  days  of 
these  were  bitter  living; 
neither  did  their  sisters 
that  had  clicked  refrain 
from  telling  them  ahout 
it 

28  Wherefore  some  of 
the  damsels  that  were 
left  over  did  journey  in- 
to the  wilderness  for  to 
meditate  concerning  the 
matter,  for  the  airs  of  a 
woman  that  is  married 


are  as  a  goad  unto  her 
that  languisheth  alone. 

29  And  so  it  came  to 
pass  that  certain  of 
them  did  get  them  war 
work  from  the  makers  of 
munitions,  and  certain 
of  them  did  get  them 
war  babies  from  no  man 
knew  whither.  Yea, 
every  one  did  act  ac- 
cording to  her  lights  and 
did  do  all  those  things 
that  the  occasion  did 
demand. 


60 


THE  BOOK  OF  ABTEMAS 


[CH.  xa. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

1  Concerning  tliose  that 
went  not  forth  for  to  fight. 
14  The  rulers  commune 
together  on  the  matter.  17 
And  call  out  all  the  young 
men.  18  But  certain  are 
absolved.  25  Wherefore 
many  are  combed  out.  29 
And  the  people  are  satis- 
fied. 31  Each  man  pay- 
eth  for  his  own  strong 
drink, 

A  ND  when  the  fighters 
•^~*  had  gone  forth  un- 
to the  war,  there  yet  re- 
mained certain  men  that 
were  strong  and  sound 
of  limb.  And  every  man 
that  went  not  forth,  he 
had  his  reason. 

2  And  some  said,  To 
kill  men  in  battle  is  a 
wicked  thing.  Would  ye 
therefore  have  us  to  go 
against  our  consciences  ? 

3  And  when  the  peo- 
ple questioned  these, 
they  replied  unto  them, 
saying,  The  wise  man 
giveth  obedience  unto 
his  conscience  lest  it  tor- 
ment    him;     neither  is 


there  any  escape  from 
it.  And  we  are  men  of 
wisdom. 

4  And  if  one  of  the 
men  of  Hu  shall  ravish 
our  eldest  daughter, 
then  shall  we  offer  unto 
him  she  that  is  next  un- 
to her  that  he  may  rav- 
ish her  also ;  for  so  it  is 
written. 

5  And  they  that  ques- 
tioned them  forbore  to 
ask  them  more,  deeming 
a  conscience  such  as 
this  was  assuredly  come 
from  the  devU. 

6  And  there  were 
some  that,  being  af- 
frighted, hid  themselves 
away.  And  the  number 
of  these  was  small  and, 
when  the  time  came, 
they  were  comhed  out. 

7  And  there  were 
others  that  were  grown 
selfish,  because  they  did 
gain  much  recompense 
by  their  labours,  and 
these  were  loth  to  leave 
their  habitations.  And 
they  did  say. 


CH.  XII.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMA3 


61 


8  Wherefore  should 
we  go  forth  for  to  fight  ? 
In  our  houses  there  are 
many  fires  and  the  wo- 
men do  put  them  hot 
bricks  into  our  beds  so 
that  our  feet  suffer  not 
when  the  night  groweth 
cold. 

9  And  if  we  go  out 
for  to  fight,  verily,  the 
rain  from  heaven  will 
fall  upon  us  and  it  will 
make  us  wet.  And  a 
skin  that  is  wet  affect- 
eth  the  nose. 

10  And  the  food  that 
we  shall  eat,  it  will  lie 
heavy  upon  our  stom- 
achs; neither  will  the 
women  sustain  us  with 
hot  bricks. 

11  And  because  of  all 
these  things,  they  went 
not  forth  unto  the  war 
until  the  time  came 
when  they  were  combed 
out. 

12  And  there  were 
"many  men  throughout 
the  land  that  were  will- 
ing to  go  at  the  time  ap- 
pointed, each  man  in  his 
turn. 

13  And  these  did  say, 


"Wherefore  should  we 
depart  from  our  habita- 
tions and  wherefore 
leave  our  wives  amongst 
strange  people  ?  Send 
first  the  young  men  that 
are  hanging  back;  and, 
afterwards,  when  our 
time  Cometh,  we  shall  be 
ready.  And  ye  shall  find 
us  in  the  forefront  of 
the  battle. 

14  1[  And  because  that 
which  they  had  said  was 
just,  therefore  the  rul- 
ers of  the  land  could 
not  gainsay  them.  And 
they  communed  together 
in  the  council  chamber 
concerning  it. 

15  And  some,  know- 
ing not  the  spirit  of  the 
people,  did  say.  Let  us 
now  do  nothing  rash 
lest,  if  we  call  up  all  the 
young  men,  they  raise 
an  outcry  throughout 
the  land. 

16  But  there  were 
others  that  said,  It  is 
sufficient  that  we  have 
need  of  men  for  to  send 
against  the  enemy.  Let 
us  therefore  see  about  it. 

17  ^And  they   over- 


62 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  xir. 


ruled  those  that  were 
against  them,  and  did 
make  them  a  law  where- 
by all  the  young  men 
were  called  out  for  to 
fight. 

18  fBut  they  ab- 
solved them  that  were 
in  the  workshops  mak- 
ing the  munitions  of 
war,  and  acquitted  them 
also  ihat  were  plagued 
with  a  conscience. 

19  And  because  the 
men  of  Ire  said,  We  will 
not  have  it,  therefore 
the  rulers  dared  not  to 
say  them  nay,  for  the 
men  of  Ire  were  rulers 
in  the  land  of  En. 

20  And  they  appoint- 
ed them  tribunals,  a 
mixed  lot  of  men,  so  that 
those  that  were  called 
out  might  show  them  a 
reason  against  it. 

21  And  because  the 
net  that  was  spread  in 
the  sight  of  the  young 
men  was  wide  in  the 
mesh,  therefore  was  the 
haul  thereof  fraught 
with  disappointment. 
And  the  young  men  did 
work  themselves  free  in 


ways  that  were  various. 

22  And  some  hied 
them  unto  the  work- 
shops to  become  makers 
of  munitions  of  war, 
saying,  the  one  unto  the 
other.  By  this  means,  as- 
suredly, shall  we  save 
our  skins.  And  for  a 
long  time  it  was  so. 

23  And  others  did  cry 
their  woes  before  the 
tribunals.  And  the  tales 
that  they  did  tell  were 
pitiful  indeed,  and  they 
did  move  the  tribunals 
unto  compassion  so  that 
they  absolved  them. 

24  And  the  rulers,  that 
did  ought  to  set  an 
example,  made  lusty 
youths  for  to  be  their 
scribes,  and  they  did 
put  them  for  to  do  wo- 
men's work.  And  the 
number  of  them  that 
were  absolved  in  this 
wise  became  a  crying 
shame  that  was  heard 
throughout  all  the  land. 
25  ^  And  when  the 
rulers  were  questioned 
hotly  concerning  these 
men  and  concerning 
those   that  had  hidden 


CH.  XII.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


63 


themselves  behind  the 
rampart  that  was  muni- 
tions, they  bestirred 
themselves  somewhat 
and  did  comh  them  out. 

26  And  the  number 
that  they  did  comb  out 
was  very  great.  And  be- 
cause they  had  not  done 
this  thing  before,  but 
had  waited  until  the 
people  raised  them  a 
clamour,  therefore  were 
the  rulers  blamed  ex- 
ceedingly. 

27  Nevertheless,  those 
that  rebelled  against  it 
because  they  did  have 
consciences,  these  were 
not  sent  out  for  to  fight. 

28  But  some  of  them 
were  set  to  work  upon 
matters  of  health,  which 
was  a  loathsome  duty 
and  abhorred  by  them 
who,  being  without  a 
conscience,  went  out 
against  the  enemy. 

29  ^And  when  all 
the  men  that  were  of 
full  vigour  had  been 
taken,  there  was  an  end 
to  the  murmuring  of  the 
people. 

30  And   all   were   of 


one  mind  that  this 
thing  should  have  been 
done  before,  for  they 
saw  that  the  taking  was 
just,  no  man  suffering 
beyond  his  neighbour, 
and  every  man  fighting 
for  his  own. 

31  ^  Now  it  was  made 
a  law  that  whosoever 
should  enter  into  a  tav- 
ern for  to  buy  him 
strong  drink,  that  man 
must  pay  for  his  own. 

32  And  there  were 
some,  being  them  that 
drank  beyond  their 
means,  that  had  a  griev- 
ance because  of  it,  for  to 
pay  for  their  own,  they 
had  forgotten  the  way. 

33  Wherefore  they  did 
suffer  exceedingly  and 
were  for  ever  dry;  and 
their  look,  it  was  a 
thirsty  one. 

34  And  when  the  dam- 
sels heard  about  it,  they 
set  them  out  for  to  find 
a  mea,ns  to  circumvent 
it,  for  the  thing  was  not 
agreeable  unto  them. 

35  And  when  a  maid- 
en approached  unto  a 
tavern,    being    with    a 


64 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  xir. 


man  that  had  a  leaning 
towards  her,  then  would 
she  stop  outside,  and 
she  would  say  unto  him, 
Give  thou  unto  me  five 
pieces  of  silver  that  I 
may  pay  for  mine  own. 
And  whatsoever  remain- 
eth  over,  that  will  I  give 
thee  back  after  we  are 
come  out. 

36  And  they  would 
enter  into  a  tavern.  And 
she  would  call  the  serv- 
ing man  unto  her  and 
she  would  speak  unto 
him  in  a  soft  voice,  say- 
ing, Bring  unto  me  a 
small  portion  of  that 
wine  which  cometh  from 
Oporto  that  I  may  nour- 
ish my  bones. 

37  And  the  serving 
man  would  bring  it  unto 
her,  and  he  would  set  it 
down  before  her.  And 
the  damsel  would  pay 
for  it  out  of  the  five 
pieces  of  silver  that  she 
had  received  from  her 


man.  And  whatsoever 
was  left  over,  that  would 
she  place  in  her  purse. 

38  And  afterwards,  she 
would  smile  upon  the 
man  that  was  with  her, 
and  she  would  say  unto 
him,  Thy  beard  becom- 
eth  thee  well.  Thou  art 
strong  and  thy  wisdom 
is  great  and  thine  eyes 
absorb  me  utterly.  Veri- 
ly doth  thine  handmaid- 
en feel  small  in  the  sight 
of  her  lord. 

39  All  this  would  she 
say  unto  him,  and  more 
also ;  but  concerning 
that  which  was  remain- 
ing over  from  the  five 
pieces  of  silver  she 
would  say  no  word. 

40  And  this  is  ever 
the  way  of  women  that 
by  their  artfulness  they 
do  wangle  it,  and  what- 
soever cometh  up  con- 
trary, that  do  they  work 
for  to  be  an  advantage 
unto  them. 


CH.  xm.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  AETEMAS 


65 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

1  Concerning  David.  7  His 
unpopularity  amongst  cer- 
tain of  the  people.  9  The 
rulers  disagree.  11  David 
speaketh  out.  14  He  find- 
eth  favour  with  his  ene- 
mies. 17  The  things  that 
he  did  do.  24  He  reach- 
eth  unto  high  office.  27 
The  Pharisees  fall  away 
from  Mm.  29  JELis  great- 
ness. 

"M"  OW  there  was  a  cer- 
•'•^  tain  man  and  his 
name  was  David,  and 
his  place  was  amongst 
the  rulers  of  the  land  of 
En. 

2  Though  small  of 
stature,  yet  was  he  of  a 
fiery  spirit,  and  the  hair 
upon  his  face  was  as 
the  bristles  of  a  badger 
that  is  roused. 

3  And  his  tongue  was 
for  ever  loose  and  did 
wag  itself  continually, 
being  like  unto  the  tail 
of  a  small  dog  that 
scenteth  its  food  from 
afar. 


4  Now  David  was  one 
of  them  that  did  come 
from  the  land  of  Cam, 
but  the  language  of  his 
kindred  did  he  speak 
only  upon  occasion ; 

5  And  at  other  times 
he  did  speak  as  the  men 
of  En,  save  only  when 
he  delivered  him  a 
warning  unto  them  that 
would  butt  in;  and  in 
such  case  his  words  were 
those  of  the  land  of 
Amer, 

6  Now  at  the  time 
when  Willi  did  lead  out 
his  hosts  for  to  fight, 
David  was  the  chief  tax 
gatherer  in  the  land  of 
En. 

7  f  And  his  name  was 
an  abomination  through- 
out the  land.  Men  cursed 
him  in  the  market 
places,  in  the  sight  of 
the  publicans  he  was  a 
thing  unclean,  and  his 
name  stank  vilely  in  the 
nostrils  of  the  priests. 

8  Verily,  to  love  En 
and  David  both,  was  not 


66 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


thought  possible  by- 
many.  Only  amongst  the 
Pharisees  was  it  not  so, 
and  these  men  of  little 
mind  did  glorify  him 
with  a  great  praise. 

9  ^  Now  it  came  to 
pass  when  the  rulers  of 
the  land  of  En  took 
counsel,  the  one  with  the 
other,  concerning  wheth- 
er they  should  make 
them  a  war,  there  were 
some  that  did  say.  Let 
us  make  a  war,  for  an 
honourable  pledge  de- 
mandeth  fulfilment ; 
nought  can  absolve  a  na- 
tion from  its  plighted 
word,  and  we  are  what 
we  are. 

10  And  there  were 
others  that  were  the 
Pharisees,  and  they  did 
say.  Why  hasten  ye  to- 
wards the  shedding  of 
men's  blood?  Better  a 
peace  that  obeyeth  di- 
vine precept  than  a  war 
that  upholdeth  the  word 
of  a  nation. 

11  ^  And  when  David 
heard  the  things  that 
the  Pharisees  did  say, 
behold,   he   arose   from 


[CH.  xni. 

his  seat  in  the  council 
chamber  and  spake  un- 
to all  them  that  were 
there. 

12  And  he  lashed  the 
Pharisees  with  his 
tongue,  sparing  them 
not.  And  because  he 
was  of  them,  therefore 
were  the  words  that  he 
did  say  unto  them  pass- 
ing apt,  so  that  they  did 
wriggle  in  their  seats 
as  worms  that  are  upon 
an  hot  plate. 

13  And  them  that 
would  preserve  the  na- 
tion's honour  at  a  cost 
of  blood,  these  did  he 
sustain  with  the 
strength  of  his  doings 
and  the  whole  might  of 
his  oratory. 

14  ^And  when  the 
publicans  and  the 
priests  and  those  that 
had  cursed  him  in  the 
market  places  were  told 
what  he  had  done,  they 
were  amazed  that  such  a 
thing  could  come  to 
pass. 

15  And  they  said  un- 
to each  other.  What 
manner  of  man  is  this 


CH.  xin.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


67 


that  hath  for  so  long 
been  against  us,  yet  now 
speaketh  our  very 
minds  ? 

16  And  they  raised 
him  up  and  made  him 
to  be  ruler  over  them, 
and  he  did  find  more 
favour  amongst  those 
people  than  he  had 
found  amongst  the 
Pharisees  in  the  time 
that  was  gone. 

17  ^And  it  came  to 
pass  that  whatsoever 
there  was  to  be  done, 
that  thing  did  David 
do ;  verily,  his  capacities 
were  as  manifold  as 
the  lies  of  a  woman  ac- 
cused. 

18  And  they  made 
him  chief  over  the  mu- 
nitioners, and  he  did 
make  him  engines  of 
war  and  instruments  of 
siege,  and  other  imple- 
ments of  battle  also,  the 
quantity  whereof  ex- 
ceeded calculation. 

19  And  nobody 
throughout  all  the  land 
excelled  him  in  energy 
and  in  ingenuity  of  the 
mind.    And  he  did  even 


make  the  workers  to 
work;  and  this  was  a 
thing  that  was  never 
before  known  in  the 
land  of  En. 

20  And  when  the  men 
of  Ire,  because  they 
were  never  content, 
waxed  angry,  the  one 
with  the  other,  and 
there  was  like  to  be  re- 
bellion amongst  them, 
and  there  was  need  of  a 
mediator  for  to  judge 
between  them, 

21  Then  the  choice  of 
the  people  fell  upon 
David,  and  they  did 
send  him  unto  the  land 
of  Ire  for  to  speak  the 
soft  word  that  charmeth 
away  wrath. 

22  And  David  went. 
And  after  he  had  fin- 
ished speaking  unto  the 
men  of  Ire,  he  returned 
him  unto  his  seat 
amongst  the  rulers. 

23  And  because  he 
was  the  first  man  that 
did  go  for  to  pacify  the 
men  of  Ire,  yet  stirred 
not  up  further  strife, 
therefore  was  his  name 
honoured     above     any, 


68 


THE  BOOK  OP  ABTEMAS 


and  poets  did  sing  his 
praises  on  the  feast  days 
of  the  Eisteddfod. 

24  ^And  the  rulers 
did  choose  him  to  suc- 
ceed unto  a  great  sol- 
dier, and  they  did  place 
him  over  the  hosts  of 
En,  making  of  him  a 
mighty  captain.  And 
because  the  people 
would  have  none  other, 
therefore  was  he  chosen. 

25  And  the  work  that 
was  already  begun,  that 
did  he  continue.  And 
he  did  make  the  hosts  of 
En  great  beyond  all  con- 
ception,  and  the 
strength  of  En  was  as 
the  foundations  of  the 
earth. 

26  And  his  popular- 
ity with  the  people  did 
grow  day  by  day,  where- 
fore men  said,  in  jest, 
Behold,  here  cometh 
David,  George  that  is 
the  Sixth.  And  they 
that  had  hated  him  be- 
fore did  worship  him  as 
a  god. 

27  II  But   the   Phari- 


[CH.  xni. 

sees  knew  not  what  to 
do,  for  he  was  become  as 
a  revelation  unto  them. 
Therefore  did  they  say 
very  little  concerning 
him;  and  when  it  hap- 
pened that  they  had  oc- 
casion to  utter  his  name, 
then  would  they  do  so 
with  a  sniff  upon  the 
word. 

28  For  such  is  the 
way  of  the  Pharisees. 
And  these  do  place 
peace  above  the  honour 
of  a  nation  and  an  unc- 
tuous word  before  the 
doing  of  a  thing  that  is 
right.  And  in  them 
there  is  no  stomach  for 
the  fray. 

29  ^  But  David  cared 
not  at  all  for  such  as 
these,  and  there  was  no 
man  greater  in  all  the 
land.  And  when  the 
time  came,  he  did  sit 
upon  the  highest  seat 
amongst  the  rulers  of 
the  land,  because  he  was 
the  chosen  of  the  people, 
and  they  would  have 
none  other. 


CH.  XIV.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ABTEMAS 


69 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

1  The  implements  of  war.  8 
The  engines  that  did  fly. 
14  Concerning  the  Mad 
Major.  25  The  men  of  En 
employ  tanks.  34  Where- 
fore the  men  of  Hu  cry 
out. 

"M'OW  these  he  the  im- 
■'■^  plements  of  war, 
and  all  these  things  did 
men  use  at  that  time 
when  the  nations  of  the 
earth  banded  themselves 
together  for  the  fight. 

2  Now  there  were 
guns  of  great  magnitude 
that  did  hit  hard  so  that 
there  was  nothing  that 
could  withstand  them, 
and,  against  them,  the 
fortifications  of  the  cit- 
ies were  as  snow  when 
the  sun  cometh  out. 

3  And  the  guns  did 
scatter  death  on  all 
sides,  above  and  about, 
so  that  there  was  no  liv- 
ing thing  left  nigh  unto 
the  place  where  they  did 
strike;  and  the  compass 
of  a  gun,  it  was  heyo^id 


the  sight  of  human  eye. 

4  And  there  were 
mines  that  the  engineers 
did  make  them  under- 
neath the  ground;  and 
all  that  which  was  above 
the  ground,  that  did 
they  scatter  unto  the 
heavens  so  that  when  it 
returned  again  to  earth, 
behold,  it  was  not. 

5  Also  was  there  gas, 
and  it  was  made  of  a 
vile  poison;  and  when 
any  man  did  deeply 
breathe  of  it,  that  man 
would  most  assuredly 
die;  and  the  manner  of 
his  death,  it  was  ter- 
rible. 

6  And  they  that  first 
made  use  of  the  gas  that 
was  poison  were  the  men 
of  Hu,  for  it  was  in 
them  to  do  so  because 
their  minds  did  travel 
unto  such  things. 

7  And  there  was 
liquid  that  was  fire,  and 
it  was  sent  against  an 
host  for  to  burn  up  the 
flesh  of  them  that  came 


70 


THE  BOOK  OP  ABTEMAS 


[CH.  XIV. 


in  the  way.  And  this 
was  also  from  the  men 
of  Hu  and  was  bred  of 
their  refinement.  And 
neither  of  these  things 
did  the  nations  of  Eur 
use  in  any  war  that  they 
did  wage  before. 

8  ^And  there  were 
engines  that  did  fly 
through  the  air,  fear- 
some weapons  of  war 
that  did  deal  out  death 
and  destruction  from  an 
ambush  of  clouds. 

9  And  they  were  of 
two  kinds.  And  the 
Zeps  were  fat-bellied, 
being  of  the  men  of  Hu. 

10  These  did  carry  on 
their  goings  out  a  great 
weight  of  matter  that 
was  death.  And  they 
did  drop  it  at  a  venture 
so  that  it  fell  amongst 
peaceful  dwellers  in  the 
land;  and  the  women 
and  children  that  did 
perish  by  this  means,  it 
was  a  great  number. 

11  And  there  were 
also  engines  that  did  fly 
which  men  called 
planes:  and  these  were 
of  both  sides.  And  they 


were  speedy  things  and 
nimble. 

12  And  those  that  did 
ride  in  them  were  brave 
men  and  skilful.  And 
the  men  of  Hu  pros- 
pered not  with  the 
planes  save  only  in  the 
flight,  at  which  they 
were  exceeding  quick. 

13  And  so  there  came 
a  time  when  the  men  of 
Hu  forbore  to  go  up  in- 
to the  air  for  to  fight  be- 
cause the  hazard  of  such 
an  enterprise,  it  was 
very  great. 

14  jf  Now  the  bravery 
of  the  warriors  of  En 
that  did  ride  in  the 
planes  was  in  the 
mouths  of  all  the  peo- 
ples of  the  earth.  And 
there  was  one  whom 
men  did  call  the  Mad 
Major  because  of  his 
daring. 

15  And  it  was  said 
concerning  him  that  he 
and  death  played  them 
a  long  game  wherein  the 
dice  were  loaded  on  the 
side  of  death. 

16  And  he  would  ven- 
ture forth  and  would  fly 


CH.   XIV.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


71 


from  the  camp  of  the 
men  of  En  until  he 
came  unto  a  place 
whence  he  could  see  the 
hosts  of  Hu  spread  out 
beneath  him. 

17  Then  would  he 
choose  him  a  target 
from  amongst  the  strong 
places  that  were  below, 
and  he  would  swoop  him 
down  on  a  sudden  so 
that  he  was  but  a  few 
cubits  on  high. 

18  And  the  men  of 
Hu  would  use  all  man- 
ner of  weapons  against 
him,  and  they  would 
send  projectiles  that  did 
scatter  about  for  to 
bring  him  down 
amongst  them. 

19  Yea,  from  the 
places  that  were  nigh 
unto  him  and  from  the 
places  that  were  afar  off 
would  they  send  of  their 
munition,  seeking  only 
that  they  might  slay 
him.  And  the  heavens 
were  filled  with  a  mul- 
titude of  balls  so  that 
men  said,  Verily,  in  the 
place  where  he  is,  in 
that  place  only  is  it  pos- 


sible   for  man  to  live. 

20  And  when  he  that 
was  called  the  Mad  Ma- 
jor was  low  enough, 
then  would  he  drop  him 
a  bomb.  And  it  came  to 
pass  that  all  that  which 
was  underneath,  it  was 
destroyed,  and  the  men 
that  were  there  did  as- 
suredly perish. 

21  Then  would  he 
ascend  into  the  air  unto 
a  certain  height,  for  that 
which  he  had  come  for 
to  do,  it  was  done. 

22  And  he  would  loop 
him  a  loop;  yea,  even 
over  the  hosts  of  Hu 
would  he  loop  him  a 
loop,  for  he  was  of  a 
merry  spirit  and  it  was 
in  him  to  laugh  in  this 
manner. 

23  And  when  he  had 
looped  him  a  loop  he 
would  return  unto  the 
men  of  En,  and  he 
woidd  say  unto  them, 
The  bombs  that  thou 
gavest  unto  me  went  off. 
Give  me,  therefore, 
some  more  that  I  may 
dispose  of  them  in  like- 
wise. 


72 


THE  BOOK  OP  AETEMAS 


24  And  he  was  not 
alone  in  the  things  that 
he  did  do,  for  there 
were  many  like  unto 
him.  And  concerning 
the  deeds  of  some  thou 
shalt  find  it  writ  in  the 
books ;  but  concerning 
many,  thou  shalt  find  no 
record  of  their  deeds  in 
the  chronicles  of  that 
time. 

25  ^And  the  men  of 
En  did  make  them  cha- 
riots of  strange  and 
wonderful  design,  and 
they  did  call  them  tanks. 
And  there  was  no  man 
throughout  all  the  land 
that  did  say,  I  made  not 
this  chariot;  but  every 
man  did  draw  his  neigh- 
bour unto  the  side,  and 
did  speak  unto  him  priv- 
ily, saying.  Shush!  Let 
it  not  be  known.  I  tell 
thee  that  I,  even  I,  did 
take  an  hand  in  this 
thing. 

26  And  the  shape  of 
the  tanks  was  for  a  long 
time  known  only  to  the 
few.  And  some  said 
they  were  like  unto  a 
lizard  that  is  blown  out 


[CH.  XIV. 

mightily,  that  walketh 
as  a  man  plagued  with 
the  corns. 

27  And  others  said 
they  were  like  unto  an 
hippopotamus  that  doth 
wobble  itself  amazingly 
so  that  no  man  knoweth 
whither  it  intendeth ; 
yet,  of  a  certainty,  doth 
it  get  there. 

28  And  others  said 
they  were  like  unto 
nothing  on  earth,  being 
for  the  most  part  belly 
of  a  fashion  that  is  giv- 
en unto  no  living  thing. 

29  And  that  which 
was  a  shield  and  a  cov- 
ering unto  the  tanks  was 
tough  past  all  belief; 
yea,  even  the  hide  of  the 
rhinoceros  did  not  com- 
pare unto  this.  And  all 
the  missiles  that  the  men 
of  Hu  did  send  against 
it  were  as  peas  upon  a 
roof  that  is  whole,  and  it 
availed  them  nothing. 

30  And  in  its  gait  it 
was  like  unto  a  man  that 
hath  taken  strong  drink, 
having  first  devoured 
much  rice.  For  in  such 
case  does  the  belly  grow 


CH.  XIV.] 


THE  BOOK   OF   ARTEMAS 


73 


big  and  the  footsteps  do 
become  unsteady. 
Wherefore  it  was  a 
thing  for  laughter 
amongst  the  men  of  En ; 
but  in  the  hosts  of 
Hu  it  was  a  thing  for 
fear. 

31  And  men  told 
strange  tales  of  the 
things  that  it  did  do. 
And  it  was  said  that 
upon  an  occasion  it  did 
sally  forth  and,  in  its 
adventuring,  it  did  meet 
with  an  habitation. 

32  And  it  did  go  up 
unto  the  habitation  and 
it  ddd  look  upon  it.  And 
it  did  go  against  the 
habitation  with  a  pur- 
pose so  that  the  walls 
did  fall  about  it  and 
there  was  ruination  on 
all  sides. 

33  And  after  it  had 
shaken  itself  free  from 
all  that  which  had  fallen 
upon  it,  it  did  betake  it- 
self with  modesty  unto 
another  place  as  a  man 
that  is  overcome  with 
shyness  and  seeketh  to 


pass  it  over.  Verily,  it 
recked  nothing  of  the 
thing  that  it  had  done. 

34  ^Wherefore,  and 
because  it  did  smite 
them  hip  and  thigh, 
sparing  not  any  man 
that  did  come  up 
against  it,  the  men  of 
Hu  were  afraid,  and 
they  did  cry  out  with 
loud  lamentations,  say- 
ing, Why  do  ye  so  de- 
spitef ully  use  us  ?  Know 
ye  not  that  it  is  not  in 
the  war  to  do  these 
things  ? 

35  And  because  men 
knew  them,  they  heeded 
not  their  groans,  so  that 
it  availed  them  nothing ; 
and  the  tank  remained  a 
thing  of  terror  through- 
out all  their  hosts. 

36  And  in  this  thing 
the  men  of  En  were  first 
amongst  all  the  fighters 
of  Eur,  for  it  was  new. 
And  the  people  rejoiced, 
being  satisfied  that  it 
was  given  unto  them  as 
a  sign  that  the  rulers 
were  becoming  awake. 


74 


THE  BOOK  OP  ABTEMAS 


[CH.  XV. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

1  Concerning  the  land  of 
Amer.  4  And  the  ruler 
thereof.  11  Certain  men 
of  Amer  are  slain.  12 
Wudro,  the  son  of  Wyl, 
writeth  an  epistle.  26  He 
writeth  again.  27  He 
writeth  many  times.  28 
Certain  men  do  question 
him.  38  He  revealeth  him- 
self. 

'M'OW  the  land  of 
^^  Amer  was  at  the 
other  side  of  the  sea 
that  is  Atlantic,  and  it 
was  many  days'  sail  in 
a  ship  from  the  island 
of  En. 

2  And  the  bounds  of 
that  land  were  set  far 
apart,  and  the  people 
that  did  live  there  were 
more  numerous  than  the 
waves  of  all  the  seas. 

3  And  it  was  a  fertile 
land  of  extreme  fruit- 
fulness,  and  the  earth 
underneath  it  yielded 
precious  metals  in  abun- 
dance. And  the  people 
were  for  ever  extolling 
its    greatness    amongst 


the  nations  of  the  earth. 

4  ^Now  the  ruler  of 
the  land  of  Amer  was  a 
certain  man  and  his 
name  was  Wudro,  the 
son  of  Wyl ;  and  it  hap- 
pened in  this  wise. 

5  Whilst  Wudro,  the 
son  of  Wyl,  was  tending 
his  flock  of  young  men 
in  the  pasture  that  is 
knowledge,  and  after  he 
had  taught  them  how 
they  should  go  and  what 
things  they  should 
know, 

6  Behold,  the  men  of 
Amer  came  unto  him, 
saying.  We  have  chosen 
thee  for  to  rule  over  us ; 
and  we  have  brought 
thee  an  high  hat  for  to 
wear  as  the  badge  of 
thine  office ;  and  the  size 
of  the  hat,  it  is  six  sev- 
en-eighths. 

7  And  because  he 
knew  not  what  he  was 
letting  himself  in  for,  he 
gave  way  to  their  impor- 
tuning, and  did  put  on 
the  high  hat,  the  size 


CH,  XV.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


75 


whereof  was  six  seven- 
eighths. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass 
that  when  the  men  of 
En  fought  against  the 
men  of  Hu,  they  did 
send  messengers  unto 
the  land  of  Amer  for  to 
buy  them  munitions  for 
the  war.  And  they  took 
luith  them  gold  in  great 
quantity  wherewith  to 
satisfy  the  merchants 
that  did  sell  unto  them. 
Therefore  did  the  land 
of  Amer  prosper  exceed- 
ingly. 

9  Now  when  the  men 
of  Hu  found  out  that 
there  was  peril  in  the 
enterprise,  they  forbore 
to  send  out  vessels  of 
war  for  to  fight ;  in  place 
thereof,  they  did  send 
them  out  for  to  murder 
those  that  were  peaceful 
and  did  sail  the  seas 
without  any  weapon 
wherewith  to  defend 
themselves. 

10  And  coming  upon 
a  large  ship  unawares, 
they  did  send  it  unto  the 
bottom  of  the  sea  so  that 
all  they  that  did  travel 


upon  it  were  cast  into 
the  waters  for  to  drown. 
Yea,  even  the  women 
and  children  that  were 
aboard  the  vessel,  all 
these  perished  miser- 
ably, and  the  men  of 
Hu  did  watch  their 
struggles  with  death  un- 
heeding. 

11  ^  Now  amongst 
those  that  the  men  of 
Hu  did  slay  there  were 
certain  men  of  the  land 
of  Amer. 

12  T[And  when  word 
was  brought  unto  Wu- 
dro,  the  son  of  Wyl, 
concerning  it,  and  how 
the  men  of  Hu  had 
slain  his  servants,  he 
waxed  very  wroth.  And 
he  betook  himself  unto 
a  quiet  place,  fearing 
lest  in  the  height  of  his 
indignation  he  should  do 
violence  unto  any  man. 

13  And  although  he 
was  enraged  beyond  en- 
durance, nevertheless  he 
was  a  patient  man  with- 
al. 

14  Therefore  he  did 
sit  him  down  and  he  did 
write    an    epistle    unto 


76 


THE  BOOK  OP  AETEMAS 


Willi,  being  him  that 
ruled  over  the  men  of 
Hu. 

15  And  he  said  unto 
Mm,  Knowest  thou  not 
that  thy  servants  have 
slain  certain  of  the  men 
of  Amer  because  they 
did  sail  upon  the  sea? 

16  And  Willi  an- 
swered him,  saying. 
Verily,  all  that  thou  say- 
est  is  true.  Let  us  there- 
fore put  on  sackcloth 
and  ashes,  and  rend  our 
garments,  for  it  is  a  day 
of  mourning  unto  thee, 
and  I,  also,  am  full  of 
sorrow  because  of  it. 

17  And  when  Wudro, 
the  son  of  Wyl,  heard 
all  that  Willi  had  said, 
and  how  he  made  an- 
swer unto  him  in  soft 
words,  he  knew  not 
what  to  do,  for  he  was 
a  peaceable  man  and  the 
land  of  Amer  was  pros- 
pering greatly. 

18  So  he  sat  him 
down  and  did  write  un- 
to Willi  again,  saying 
unto  him,  Thy  tears  are 
as  an  healing  ointment. 
But  the  thing  that  thou 


[CH.   XV. 

hast  done,  that  shalt 
thou  do  not  again,  for 
there  is  a  penalty  unto 
it.  Take  heed,  there- 
fore, and  obey,  for  I  am 
a  terrible  man,  and 
fierce. 

19  And  Willi  an- 
swered him  and  did  say, 
Thou  hast  said  so  and 
so,  for  I  have  seen  it 
with  mine  own  eyes. 
Let  us  now  speak  con- 
cerning other  matters. 

20  And  he  called  unto 
him  a  messenger  and  did 
command  him  to  deliver 
the  epistle  unto  the 
ruler  of  the  land  of 
Amer. 

21  And  after  he  was 
gone,  he  set  to  work 
secretly  and  did  male 
him  preparation,  for  it 
was  his  intendment  to 
do  again  that  thing  re- 
garding which  Wudro, 
the  son  of  Wyl,  had 
forewarned  him. 

22  And  when  the  op- 
portunity came,  he  did 
sink  more  ships,  and  he 
did  leave  those  that  were 
on  them  to  perish.  And 
because   they   were    all 


CH.  XV.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  AETEMAS 


77 


vessels  of  peace,  and 
without  armour,  there- 
fore was  he  strong 
against  them. 

23  And  a  messenger 
came  unto  Wudro,  the 
son  of  Wyl,  in  hot  haste, 
and  he  told  him  of  the 
things  that  Willi  had 
done  and  how  that  he 
had  slain  yet  more  of 
the  men  of  Amer. 

24  And  because  he 
was  much  agitated  at 
the  tidings  that  were 
brought  unto  him,  there- 
fore did  Wudro,  the  son 
of  Wyl,  swear  an  oath, 
making  divers  new 
words  for  the  occasion. 

25  And  he  said  unto 
the  courier.  The  matter 
concerning  which  thou 
hast  spoken  unto  me  is 
fraught  with  evil  conse- 
quences, for  I  will  write 
unto  Willi  another  epis- 
tle, and  I  will  use 
mighty  words,  and  I 
will  affright  him.  Also, 
there  shall  be  an  after- 
wards. 

26  11  So  he  sat  him 
down  and  did  write  un- 
to Willi  another  epistle ; 


and  the  words  of  it  were 
so  terrifying  that  the 
hand  of  his  scribe  did 
tremble  even  in  the  put- 
ting of  it  down. 

27  ^And  for  a  long 
time  it  came  to  pass  that 
whenever  Willi  did  slay 
any  of  the  men  of  Amer, 
then  did  Wudro,  the  son 
of  Wyl,  send  an  epistle 
unto  him,  abounding  in 
fearsome  words  and  writ 
upon  one  side  of  the  pa- 
per only. 

28  ^And  certain 
men,  being  of  a  curious 
mind,  questioned  him, 
saying.  It  is  true  that 
the  epistles  that  thou 
writest  are  things  for 
terror,  and  that  the  man 
who  reads  them,  his 
blood  becometh  frozen  so 
that  it  circulateth  not. 

29  And  it  is  true, 
also,  that  the  things 
which  thou  threatenest 
are  dire.  But  the 
things  that  thou  doest, 
what  are  they  ?  Is  it  not 
an  eye  for  an  eye  and  a 
tooth  for  a  tooth?  Yet 
thou  hast  sold  our  lives 
for  gold.     Thy  threats 


78 


THE  BOOK  OP  AKTEMAS 


[CH.  XV. 


are  idle,  and  thy  words 
serv^e  but  to  tickle,  not 
to  scratch. 

30  And  Wudro,  the 
son  of  Wyl,  having 
knowledge,  did  reason 
with  them.  And  he 
spake  unto  them  in  these 
words,  saying :  What 
mean  ye?  Are  not  the 
epistles  to  your  liking? 
Are  not  my  words 
strong  and  well  chosen, 
and  is  not  my  meaning 
plain  to  all  ? 

31  And  they  an- 
swered him,  saying, 
Verily,  these  things  are 
so.  Have  we  not  said  it  ? 
Nevertheless,  the  man 
that  is  wounded  by  a 
word,  he  sheweth  no 
sear.  How  then  is  the 
marksman  to  know? 

32  And  hast  thou  not 
perceived  that  Willi 
laughs  at  thee  before 
thy  face;  and,  behind 
thy  back,  he  doth  ex- 
tend his  fingers  towards 
thee,  pointing  them 
from  the  apex  of  his 
nostrils. 

33  At  thy  threats 
doth  he  scoff  aloud,  and 


thy  servants  doth  he  use 
in  a  manner  that  is 
abominable. 

34  If  these  things 
find  not  favour  in  thine 
eyes,  send  forth  thine 
hosts  that  he  may  know 
that  there  is  might  be- 
hind thy  write. 

35  And  Wudro,  the 
son  of  Wyl,  did  loose 
his  tongue  upon  them 
and  he  upbraided  them 
soundly,  saying.  Am  I  a 
fool  and  a  blind  man 
that  rule  over  you  ? 

36  Wherefore,  then, 
should  ye  upbraid  me, 
and  who  are  ye  to  choose 
the  timet  Verily,  I  say 
unto  you  that  a  lack  of 
understanding,  it  shin- 
eth  from  your  eyes. 
And  your  words,  they 
are  wanting  of  any  wis- 
dom. 

37  But  I  am  trusted 
of  my  people;  neither 
shall  I  betray  that  trust 
because  of  your  impor- 
tuning. And  when  he 
had  spoken  unto  them  in 
this  wise,  he  sent  them 
away.  And  he  satisfied 
them  not  on  that  day. 


CH.  XVI.] 


THE  BOOK  OP  AETEMAS 


79 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

1  Wudro  delivereth  a  warn- 
ing. 5  Willi  seeketh  ad- 
vice. 9  And  taJceth  it.  10 
Wudro  acteth  according  to 
his  word.  11  Whereat 
Willi  is  amazed.  13  He 
spealceth  boastfully.  17 
Wudro  setteth  about  the 
matter.  22  He  frighten- 
eth  Willi.  23  Who  per- 
ceiveth  the  blessings  of 
peace. 

"M"  OW  the  longest  rope, 
■'■^  it  hath  an  end. 
Wherefore  it  came  to 
pass  in  time  that 
"Wudro,  the  son  of  Wyl, 
did  send  unto  Willi, 
that  was  the  King  of 
the  Hu,  and  he  said 
unto  him, 

2  Such  things  and 
such  things  hast  thou 
done,  all  these  being 
against  thy  plighted 
word;  and  thine  iniq- 
uity, it  hath  tormented 
me  for  a  long  time  past. 
Now,  therefore,  hearken 
unto  me,  and  pay  atten- 
tion: 

3  Because    I    am    a 


man  of  peace,  therefore 
have  I  borne  with  thee 
long  enough;  and  I  am 
become  sick  unto  death 
with  thy  carryings  on. 
And  the  blood  of  my 
murdered  people,  it 
crieth  out  for  retribu- 
tion. 

4  Take  heed,  there- 
fore, and  mend  the  evil 
of  thy  ways,  for,  on  the 
next  occasion,  assuredly 
shalt  thou  rue  the  day. 

5  And  when  Willi 
had  heard  these  things 
that  AVudro,  the  son  of 
Wyl,  did  say  unto  him, 
he  sent  in  haste  unto  his 
chief  captains,  and  he 
did  commune  unth  them. 

6  And  he  questioned 
them  closely  concerning 
the  words  of  Wudro. 
And  he  said  unto  them, 
Think  ye  that  this  man, 
he  raeaneth  anything  ? 

7  And  they  made 
answer  unto  him,  say- 
ing. Be  of  good  cheer 
and  heed  him  not,  for 
he  is  a  man  that  acteth 


80 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


[CH.  XVI. 


only  according  to  his 
advantage.  And  to 
make  war,  it  would  ad- 
vantage him  nothing. 
For  the  land  of  Amer, 
it  prospereth  exceeding- 
ly; and  the  miller  turn- 
eth  not  away  that 
stream  which  worketh 
his  wheel. 

8  Also,  he  liveth 
afar  off  and  his  serv- 
ants, they  are  unready. 
Verily,  the  threats  of 
such  an  one,  they  be 
full  of  emptiness;  and 
whatsoever  he  sayeth, 
that  hath  he  also  said 
before.  Nevertheless, 
we  will  smite  him  he- 
cause  of  it  when  the 
time  is  ripe, 

9  And  after  Willi 
had  heard  all  the  things 
that  the  captains  of  his 
host  did  say  unto  him, 
his  heart  was  rejoiced 
vrithm  him,  and  he  said 
unto  them.  Assuredly 
are  ye  men  after  mine 
own  understanding. 
Let  us,  therefore,  see 
about  it.  And  they  did 
see  about  it. 

10  And    when    word 


was  brought  unto  "Wu- 
dro  concerning  these 
things  and  how  Willi 
did  set  his  warning  at 
naught,  making  mock  of 
his  threats,  then  was  he 
very  wroth,  and  he  cried 
out  in  the  violence  of 
his  anger,  saying.  Am  I, 
then.  Job,  that  he  bom 
again,  to  be  tormented 
thus? 

11  And  he  straight- 
way called  the  people 
unto  him,  and  he  spake 
unto  them.  And  after 
he  had  told  them  every- 
thing, he  said  unto 
them.  Is  it,  therefore,  a 
matter  for  war?  And 
they  answered  him  with 
a  mighty  voice,  say- 
ing. It  is  a  matter  for 
war. 

12  And  when  Willi 
heard  what  was  come  to 
pass,  he  was  amazed, 
and  his  knees,  they  did 
tremble  beneath  him. 
And  he  commanded  his 
servants  that  they 
should  bring  unto  him 
the  brazen  mask,  being 
part  of  the  royal  attire; 
and  he  did  put  it  on. 


CH.   XVI.] 

13  And  after  that  it 
was  on,  he  did  raise  his 
voice  on  high,  and  he 
spake,  saying, 

14  What  of  the  land 
of  Amer  ?  And  what  of 
it?  Verily,  a  pin  that 
lieth  in  the  way,  it  is  of 
more  account  than  a 
spike  that  lifteth  its 
head  at  a  distance. 

15  And  the  iron  heel 
of  Hu,  it  levelleth  all 
things ;  neither  shall 
amy  man  dare  to  with- 
stand it. 

16  And  when  he  had 
finished  speaking,  he 
sent  out  messengers 
unto  the  four  corners  of 
the  earth,  instructing 
them  that  they  should 
tell  these  things  unto  all 
people,  for  he  was  a 
boastful  fellow  and  a 
braggart,  for  ever  hold- 
ing forth  in  large  man- 
ner for  to  be  heard  of 
all  the  world. 

17  Now  Wudro,  the 
son  of  Wyl,  after  that 
he  had  made  him  war, 
he  cried  not  out  from 
the  housetops  what 
things  he  would  do,  but 


THE  BOOK  OF  ABTEMAS 


81 


he  gat  him  about  it  for 
to  do  them. 

18  And  he  opened 
wide  the  strings  of  his 
purse  so  that  the  shek- 
els, they  gushed  forth 
as  the  waters  of  a  brook 
after  rain. 

19  And  he  sent  much 
munition  of  war  unto 
them  that  were  with 
him,  and  he  commanded 
his  physicians  that  they 
should  go  out  for  to  suc- 
cour the  wounded. 

20  And  he  did  send 
his  vessels  of  war  also, 
which  were  useful 
things  and  ready  for  the 
fray.  And  of  men  that 
did  fly  in  the  air,  he 
sent  also  of  these,  an 
eager  band  and  valiant. 

21  Neither  was  he 
backward  in  the  matter 
of  food,  making  due 
provision  in  all  things. 
And  he  did  set  him 
about  it  for  to  build 
him  an  army,  a  mighty 
host  such  as  never  be- 
fore was  seen.  And  he 
rested  him  not,  neither 
in  the  day  nor  in  the 
night  did  he  rest  him. 


82 


THE  BOOK  OP  ARTEMAS 


doing  always  those 
things  that  were  requi- 
site for  the  undertak- 
ing. 

22  And  when  word 
was  brought  unto  Willi 
that  Wudro,  he  had 
taken  the  coat  from  off 
his  back,  and  that  he 
was  labouring  without 
any  respite,  he  grew 
sore  afraid,  and  he  did 
shake  all  over  with  the 
violence  of  the  tremble 
of  his  knees. 

23  And  when  he  was 
recovered  by  a  potion  of 
strong  drink,  he  did 
call  the  Ministers  of 
State  unto  his  chamber, 
and  he  spake  unto  them, 
saying,  Is  there  no  one 
noiv  amongst  the  men  of 
peace  that  will  raise  his 
voice  against  this  bloody 
war? 

24  And,  lo,  straight- 
way, there  was  a  voice, 
and  it  spake  concerning 
peace.       And     it     was 


[CH.   XVI. 

blown  along  by  the 
wind,  even  unto  the 
land  of  Amer  was  it 
blown. 

25  And  when  it  was 
come  unto  the  ears  of 
Wudro,  that  was  the  son 
of  Wyl,  he  made  answer 
unto  it,  and  he  did  say, 
Verily,  it  hath  a  goodly 
sound.  Nevertheless, 
this  peace,  it  shall  not 
come  to  pass,  for  the 
king  of  Hu,  he  hath  a 
lying  tongue,  and  his 
plighted  word,  hath  he 
not    broken    it    before? 

26  And  because  he  is 
what  he  is,  therefore 
shall  the  compact  of 
peace  be  made  only 
with  that  man  which  he 
is  not. 

27  And  the  words  of 
Wudro,  they  were  blown 
along  by  the  wind,  even 
back  from  the  land  of 
Amer  were  they  blown 
on  the  wings  of  the 
wind. 


CH.  XVII.] 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


83 


CHAPTER   XVII. 

nPAKE  heed,  my  son, 
*■  and  hearken  unto 
the  words  of  Artemas, 
for  there  are  many  that 
will  give  thee  counsel, 
yet  wisdom  cometh  only 
from  the  few. 

2  Put  not  thy  trust  in 
princes,  for  their  bond 
is  of  paper  that  teareth 
easily.  And  their 
plighted  word  melteth 
like  butter,  before  the 
heat  of  their  necessity. 

3  Beware  of  the  king 
whose  pledge  runneth 
away  like  water,  for  the 
skins  of  such  shall  pa- 
per the  walls  of  hell. 

4  A  man  devoured  of 
ambition,  he  lieth  eas- 
ily; nevertheless,  there 
cometh  a  time  when 
even  fools  believe  him 
not. 

5  Beware  of  the  wom- 
an that  followeth  thee 
about,  for  she  is  after 
thy  regimental  buttons. 

6  And  if  she  is  safe, 


then  is  she  a  fool ;  but  if 
she  is  otherwise,  then  is 
she  the  devil. 

7  A  woman  hunteth 
thee.  She  lieth  in  wait 
to  surprise  thee,  and 
will  out  upon  thee  when 
the  time  cometh. 

8  Flee  unto  the 
mountains ;  pitch  thou 
thy  tent  afar  in  the 
wilderness ;  take  thou 
sail  across  the  waters 
until  thou  comest  unto  a 
strange  coast.  Never- 
theless, because  she  has 
marked  thee  down, 
therefore  will  she  have 
thee. 

9  When  thou  goest 
forth  for  to  fight,  take 
care  that  thou  smitest 
thine  enemy  in  the  back, 
for  it  is  the  mark  of  a 
good  fighter  so  to  do. 

10  Also,  he  that 
shooteth  his  enemy 
through  the  head  shed- 
deth  light  upon  his  un- 
derstanding. 

11  When  the  foe  doth 
stand    two    in    a    line, 


84 


THE  BOOK  OF  AETEMAS 


shoot  thou  thy  bolt,  for 
then  will  thine  execu- 
tion be  twofold.  Verily 
I  say  unto  thee,  Await 
thine  opportunity,  for  a 
shell  in  time  is  as  good 
as  a  mine. 

12  Remember,  my 
son,  that  the  sum  of  two 
and  two  maketh  four; 
yet  in  the  reports  of 
thine  enemy  thou  shalt 
find  it  otherwise. 

13  And  because  the 
pen  is  mightier  than  the 
sword,  therefore  believe 
it  not,  else  shalt  thou 
surely  be  deceived. 

14  Verily  I  say  unto 
thee,  Blessed  is  the  man 
that  hath  imagination, 
for  his  country  shall 
win  many  battles. 

15  Take  ye  heed  of 
the  lone  voice,  for  in  a 
multitude  of  counsellors 
thou  shalt  find  confu- 
sion. 

16  And  an  arsenal 
that  is  full  of  munitions 
is  better  than  an  hun- 
dred rulers  full  of 
words. 

17  Hearken  not  unto 
the    boasting    of    thine 


[OH.  xvu. 

enemy  and  regard  him 
not,  for  no  man  knoweth 
what  the  day  may  bring 
forth. 

18  And  in  the  time  of 
its  adversity  the  soul  of 
a  country  revealeth  it- 
self. 

19  Get  thee  about  it 
and  do  things,  for  the 
voice  of  the  sluggard 
dieth  in  his  throat,  but 
the  worker  is  heard 
from  afar  off. 

20  Make  thou  thy 
task  according  to  thy 
strength,  for  no  man 
that  weareth  costly 
teeth  doth  gnaw  at  the 
bones  of  an  elephant. 

21  Make  thy  life 
wisely,  0  my  son,  lest 
thy  neighbours  speak  ill 
concerning  thee.  And 
if  thou  shouldst  stray 
from  the  narrow  path, 
remember  the  other, 
that  it  is  of  sand. 

22  Wherefore,  tread 
lightly.  For  he  that 
leaveth  his  footprint 
behind,  his  foolishness 
condemns  him.  But  the 
prudent  sinner  is  ex- 
alted unto  heaven,  and 


CH.  XVII.] 

his  name,  it  exhaleth  a 
very  sweet  perfume. 

23  For  whosoever 
sups  with  the  devil  in  a 
place  where  men  pass 
by,  shall  he  not,  there- 
fore, turn  out  the  light  ? 

24  "Woe  unto  the 
peacemongers  that  en- 
tice thee  with  words,  for 
these  do  seek  thine  un- 
doing. 

25  Thy  way  leadeth 
over  stony  ground,  and 
to  go  back,  it  is  the  man- 
ner of  a  coward. 

26  For  whosoever  set- 
teth  his  hand  to  the 
plow,  he  shall  not  turn 
back;  and  he  that  fin- 
isheth  a  furrow,  he  hath 
not  plowed  the  field. 

27  What  man  gather- 
eth  him  the  blossom  of 
the  apple  tree?  Rather 
doth  he  wait  until  the 
fruit  Cometh,  big  and 
full  of  juice;  then  doth 
he  eat  of  it. 

28  Avoid  thou  them 
that  seek  to  divide  the 
people,  one  against  the 


THE  BOOK  OF  ARTEMAS 


85 


other,  for  they  are  trai- 
tors in  the  land. 

29  Turn  not  away 
from  instruction,  0  my 
son,  but  open  thine  ears 
full  wide,  for  wisdom 
maketh  a  fair  mistress 
and  she  is  youthful  for 
all  time. 

30  And  he  that  fol- 
loweth  after  her,  his  life 
shall  be  well  ordered 
and  his  affairs  shall  fall 
out  just  so. 

31  Thou  Shalt  rule 
thy  comings  in  and  thy 
goings  out  according  to 
circumstance,  so  that 
nothing  ariseth  amiss ; 
for  a  thirst  that  is  born 
at  a  proper  time,  it  mak- 
eth the  publican  smile; 
but  a  thirst  that  cometh 
late  is  an  affliction  unto 
him  that  hath  it. 

32  Take  heed,  my 
son,  and  hearken  unto 
the  words  of  Artemas, 
for  there  are  many  that 
will  give  thee  counsel, 
yet  wisdom  cometh  only 
from  the  few. 


UC  SOUTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 


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